Carrot Facts

Learn fun carrot facts, how carrots grow, how to choose and store them, and easy ways kids can cook with carrots. This page also includes carrot soup and carrot fries recipes.

Fun Carrot Facts

Carrots are root vegetables.
They grow underground from tiny seeds.
Carrots are grown in summer and sold year-round in grocery stores.
They can be eaten raw or cooked.
Carrots work well in soups, salads, smoothies, snacks, and side dishes.

How Carrots Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Carrots Are Available

Carrots are grown in the summer and are available year-round in grocery stores.

How Carrots Grow

A carrot is grown from a tiny seed. It is a root vegetable.

You can also grow your own carrot top for a fun experiment.

What to Look for When Buying Carrots

If the tops are attached, look for crisp leaves with no moldy or mushy parts. The carrots should not have cracks or nicks. If prepackaged, inspect the bag closely.

Storage Tips

Store carrots in the refrigerator.

Kid Tip: Carrots are a great vegetable for learning about roots because the part we eat grows under the soil.

How to Make Carrot Fries

Wash the carrots well and peel if desired.
Cut the carrots into thin fry-shaped sticks.
Toss the carrot sticks with oil and your seasonings.
Spread them on a baking sheet.
Bake until tender and lightly browned.

Cooking Tip: Cut the carrots into similar sizes so they cook more evenly.

Mini Activity

Look Inside a Carrot

Wash a carrot.
Cut it in half crosswise.
Look at the inside ring and compare it to the outer part.
Notice the color and texture.

This is a simple way to help kids observe how root vegetables are built.

Carrot Nutrition Facts

Carrots are high in beta carotene, which helps support healthy vision. They also help support the heart and immune system and are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

Carrots are high in beta carotene.
They help support healthy vision.
They provide fiber.
They are a source of vitamin C.

More Food Fact Resources

Carrot Soup Recipe

Carrot Soup

This hearty carrot soup recipe combines carrots, vegetables, and ground beef into a warm family meal.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
2 1/2 cups grated or pureed carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced green peppers
1/2 cup diced or pureed onions
Salt and pepper
4 cups tomato juice
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon marjoram
2 cans cream of celery soup

Instructions

Brown hamburger in a large saucepan or stock pan and season with salt and pepper.
Puree the carrots and prepare the remaining vegetables.
Add the vegetables to the meat and cook on low for 5 to 10 minutes.
Add tomato juice, water, sugar, marjoram, and cream of celery soup.
Stir together and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

Kid Cooking Tip: You can puree all the vegetables if your kids prefer a smoother soup.

Cooking and Reading Activity: Read Carrot Soup, then make the carrot soup recipe above.

Carrot Fries Recipe

Carrot Fries

These baked carrot fries are a fun side dish or snack and a great way for kids to try carrots in a new form.

Ingredients

Carrots
Oil
Salt
Pepper or favorite seasonings

Instructions

Wash the carrots well and peel if desired.
Cut the carrots into thin fry-shaped sticks.
Toss the carrots with oil and seasonings.
Spread them on a baking sheet.
Bake until tender and lightly browned.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can help toss the carrot sticks with oil and seasonings before baking.

More Carrot Ideas

Carrot Cake Smoothie

Blend carrots into a fun smoothie recipe.

Carrot Toasts

Try a fun carrot-themed toast recipe.

Carrot Salad

Find several easy carrot salad recipes to try.

Glazed Carrots

Easy recipe for cooked carrots.

Carrot Oatmeal

Kids Cooking Video: Recipe for Carrot Fries

Carrot Facts FAQ

How do carrots grow?

Carrots grow underground from tiny seeds and are root vegetables.

When are carrots available?

Carrots are grown in summer and are available year-round in grocery stores.

How should carrots be stored?

Store carrots in the refrigerator.

What are carrots good for?

Carrots are high in beta carotene, which supports healthy vision, and they also provide fiber and vitamin C.

What can kids make with carrots?

Kids can make carrot fries, carrot soup, carrot oatmeal, carrot toasts, carrot salad, and carrot cake smoothies.

Keep Learning About Carrots

Food Facts Hub

Explore more ingredient pages and food learning ideas.

Kids Cooking Lessons

Build more kitchen skills with hands-on lessons and activities.

Grow a Carrot Top

Turn carrot scraps into a simple kitchen science activity.

Carrot Bread

A quick bread recipe using carrots.

Share your food facts and recipes

Do you have a food facts or recipe to share?

Enter Your Title

Click here to see the rest of the form and complete your submission.

Reader's Submitted Recipes

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Carrot Bread Not rated yet
Ingredients: 2 eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup vegetable oil (I use safflower) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt …

Click here to write your own.