Carrots are a unique vegetable that grows well in black soil conditions. The plant of the umbrella family is popular due to its beneficial properties and unpretentiousness in care. Few people know that there are more than 50 varieties of carrots. Description of the main species will be presented to your attention below.
Composition and calorie content
The beneficial properties of the root crop are due to the high content of carotene in carrots. It is this substance that, when it enters the human body, is converted to vitamin A. In addition to carotene, carrots in large quantities contain vitamins of groups B, E, PP, K. There is also ascorbic acid, which is especially important during seasonal cold weather, when the body's defenses weaken. In addition to vitamins, many minerals are included in almost all varieties of carrots. Description of individual species can be seen below. All fruits contain large amounts of copper, iron, potassium, chromium, zinc, fluorine and nickel. Carrot essential oil is unique in its properties.
For those who want to get rid of extra pounds, carrots are ideal. Description of diets is proof of this. This vegetable is included in the diet of ballerinas, athletes and people engaged in mental activities. The vegetable has a very low calorie content (32 kcal per 100 g).
Beneficial features
Already more than one millennium carrots are used by mankind. The description of the recipes shows that in many cases the vegetable is used to improve the taste of the dish. In addition, this product is also incredibly useful. Due to the rich composition, the root crop in its raw form can be used in immunodeficiency states. Ascorbic acid, which is found in large quantities in carrots, helps strengthen the body's defenses. Carotene - rejuvenates, improves the condition of the organs of vision.
Be sure to include the root crop in the diet for people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Carrots have a choleretic effect. In people who consume carrots in large quantities, the likelihood of developing worms is significantly reduced.
However, carrots are not so safe. The characteristics and description of the product make it possible to understand that for some people the root crop can be harmful. We are talking about those who have a tendency to develop allergic reactions. Caution should also be taken in carrot juice. In large quantities, it can reduce pressure. Unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, etc. will appear.
What kind of carrots to choose
Those who want to plant carrots in their garden for the first time should understand the varieties. Individual options differ in terms of ripening, fruit shape and taste. It is necessary to take into account the composition of the soil on the site. It also matters the purpose for which carrots are grown. The description of certain types of root vegetables is recommended to be studied in advance.
All varieties of carrots can be divided into three types - early, mid-ripe and late ripe. The latter option is ideal for soft (loose) soil. For your own use, it is recommended to choose domestic varieties of carrots. They have a rich taste, contain carotene in large quantities.
The most popular varieties of carrots with photos and descriptions will be presented below.
Early grades
Such carrots can grow already in early summer. Most often, such fruits have a soft consistency, contain little sugar. The plus is that it is possible to get an early harvest. But you don’t have to store such fruits for a long time. If we consider the early options, then the "Amsterdam" carrots is popular. The fruits are distinguished by a bright orange color and a blunt tip. The variety is high yielding. The carrots are soft and juicy.
If you want to pamper your relatives with delicious fruits in the first hot days, you should choose the variety “Parisian carrot”. This is the oldest variety that is popular today. Delicate short fruits have a dessert flavor. Young carrots can be combined with fruit. It turns out a fragrant salad.
The original form has carrots of the early variety Parmex. Bright orange fruits resemble a ball. Their diameter can reach 4-5 cm. Juicy pulp has an original taste. The fruits have a dense structure, great for canning.
Want to surprise loved ones? Choose "dragon" - purple carrots. The characteristics and description of the variety are concise and accessible: it has a bright purple skin and a yellow center, contains carotene and other useful trace elements in large quantities, and is not stored for a long time.
Mid-season varieties
Reviews show that mid-ripe carrots have the most striking taste. Fruits ripen closer to the beginning of autumn. The plus is that such carrots are very well stored. The vitamin variety is very popular, which grows well not only on chernozem, but also on peat soils. Cylindrical fruits can reach a length of up to 20 cm. Such carrots in large quantities contain carotene.
Moscow Winter carrots are another popular variety. From sowing to full growth takes about 90 days. Carrots have a dense texture, original sweet and sour taste. Such carrots are very well stored until spring in the refrigerator or cellar.
Characterized by a high carotene content, carrots are "incomparable." This variety is also classified as mid-season. One fruit can reach a length of 15-17 cm, weight - about 20 g. Such carrots are quite resistant to decay, fruits can be stored throughout the winter.
Late ripening varieties
This carrot is significantly inferior in taste to the groups described above. However, late-ripening varieties are excellently stored. Such carrots can be kept in the apartment during the winter. The fruits do not thrive and do not rot.
"Vita longa" is a popular variety of carrots that is perfectly stored at room temperature until spring. The product can be added to salads in raw form, stew, fry. This variety is also ideal for those who love carrot juice. Fruits contain carotene and sugar in large quantities.
Among late-ripening varieties, original variants are also found. "Yellowstone" is a large carrot of bright orange color. A very productive variety with original taste.
Fruit Growing Problems
Before choosing a particular variety, it is recommended to study carrot diseases (photo, a description of each can be seen in the article). In order not to be disappointed in the cultivation of this fruit, it is worthwhile to select quality fertilizers in advance.
Carrot fly is the most common pest that negatively affects the condition of the fruit. It will be possible to reduce the likelihood of infection if crop rotation is carried out in the garden. After harvesting in autumn, the land must be dug up.