Lately, there has been some stories about the quality of baby carrots. For those who do not know baby carrots are the name of the convenient mini-carrots bags. In addition, some people claim that the baby carrots are derived from old, misshapen, discarded large carrots. It is also considered that these mini carrots are soaked in chlorine, which can keep them fresh for longer.
What’s the Truth about Baby Carrots?
According to The World Carrot Museum, baby carrots have been sold in the United States since 1989. Nowadays, as a result of being convenient, this type of carrots has actually become a lunch box staple.
Unfortunately, many people think that baby carrots are a healthy vegetable.
These carrots do not have the same benefits as regular carrots. Additionally, baby carrots are well-shaped and have rounded edges. Moreover, they are also peeled and don’t have the thick core as regular carrots.
But, These Carrots Are Not Actually the Real Baby Carrots
The baby carrots being sold in the U.S. supermarkets are not real baby carrots, like Adelaide and Caracas. The real baby carrots are a type of carrots that are earlier harvested or grow to a smaller size than the regular carrots.
To explain you more deeply, in the 1980s supermarkets, it was expected that carrots should have a specific size, shape and color. Moreover, the carrots that have irregular shape, size, and color should be used for preparing juice, animal feed or thrown away. There was a farmer who came up with the idea to peel the skin off the carrots, cut them into pieces, pack them in bags and at least sell them. He named these carrots as baby carrots.
Since then, they have been sold throughout the United States.
Do Manufacturers Really Use Chlorine to Prolong the Shelf Life of Carrots and Keep Them Fresh?
The world’s greatest manufacturer of cut and baby carrots, Bolthouse Farms, has eventually heard the stories about this type of carrots as it has created a webpage discussing the benefits on baby carrots.
Bolthouse Farms claim that they wash the baby carrots in a chlorinated water solution. However, they explain that it is not the same ingredient as the chlorine used to disinfect swimming pools. In addition, they note that this solution is used to destroy bacteria and any other contaminants on the vegetable. Finally, the carrots are rinsed well.
What’s more, the World Carrot Museum explains that organic growers use citrox to decontaminate their fresh produce, food and drinks. Namely, it is a non-toxic solution based on citrus and is a natural substitute to synthetic biocides.
Furthermore, it has also been noted that the white residue found on baby carrots is not a chemical residue, but an indicator that the carrot dries out.
Why Are the Baby Carrots Peeled?
There is no doubt that a great part of the nutritional value of this veggie is present in its peel. However, baby carrots also contain nutrients, including beta-carotene that is essential for optimal eye health. Also, they contain a good amount of vitamins C, B, A, and E, magnesium, copper, and potassium. Even though the best option is to buy regular carrots, but you can also sometimes purchase this carrot variety.
Source: www.realfarmacy.com
References:
- Grigson, Sophie. ”The Vegetable Bible”;
- Biggs, Matthew. ”The Complete Book of Vegetables”;