A fresh guide to Australian carrots
Carrots are root vegetables that are commonly bright orange in colour, but can also be purple or pale yellow. Long and thin, carrots have a firm, crunchy texture and a juicy, sweet flavour.
Where are carrots grown in Australia?
All fresh carrots in store are grown in Australia across several states. Carrots take between four and six months to grow. After harvest, carrots are generally topped, washed and bagged.
To see when this variety is in peak season and Australian sourced, view our seasonal fruit and veg calendar.
How to pick
Look for vibrant orange carrots that are firm enough to snap rather than bend. Carrots sold in bunches may have green leafy tops still attached, which you can use in salads – so don’t throw them away.
How to use
Eat carrots raw, or cook in savoury and sweet dishes. Carrot skin contains flavour and fibre, so you don’t need to peel them if you don’t want to. Just wash before using.
How to store
Keep carrots in the crisper drawer of your fridge. If they start to develop a dry, white sheen, simply peel before using.
Know your carrot varieties
Stefano
In season: All year
The most commonly grown carrot in Australia is a Nantes variety called Stefano. Averaging up to 20cm in length, Nantes are generally sweet in flavour, and are an all-rounder in the kitchen.
Dutch
In season: All year
Smaller in size, Dutch carrots can taste sweeter than standard carrots. Sold in bunches, with leaves still attached, this variety is small and tender enough to be cooked whole.
Fun facts
- Purple carrots get their colour from a naturally occurring pigment called anthocyanins. It’s the same reason why blueberries are blue.
- Eating carrots will not help you see in the dark. This was a myth spread during World War II to explain why British fighter pilots were so accurate. In actual fact, they used radar! However, carrots do contain vitamin A, which can support healthy eyesight*.
*As part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Food saver tips
- You can still use bendy or dull carrots. Chop, then add to soups and stews, or grate and mix in with pasta sauces.
- Chop and freeze carrots, and use to make vegetable stock with other vegetables and herbs.
- Wash and chop leafy green tops, then toss into salads or use to make pesto.
- Carrots contain vitamin A, which can support healthy eyesight and immune function, as well as fibre for a healthy gut.*
- Eating half a cup of cooked carrots counts as one serving of your recommended daily vegetable intake.
*When eaten as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
**One serve of vegetables is approximately 75g. Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend five serves of vegetables per day.
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