Heloise did not disappoint. The columnist explained that those "hairy" bunches that grow on your carrots are actually small roots that are parched and in need of water. Heloise says these carrots are safe to eat unless they are slimy and limp.
The little white “hairs” are small roots growing that are looking for moisture. The cracks can be caused by too little moisture or by the carrot trying to grow around something in the soil (pebbles, rocks, etc.).
You can tell that a carrot is bad if the texture of the carrot changes to super soft and bendy and if there is some discoloration on your carrots, like white spots or even some black and slimy spots. These soft spots will also eventually turn very mushy and disgusting.
Too much fertiliser or manure can cause carrots to produce excessive 'hair' (fine roots) and be contorted. These veggies do best in a sandy loam that doesn't clump when moist – there needs to be enough light so that it doesn't offer too much resistance to the developing roots which will mature to be the edible crop.
The carrots are still fine to eat, though they use the internal sugars to grow the roots, so they may not taste as sweet.
Heloise did not disappoint. The columnist explained that those "hairy" bunches that grow on your carrots are actually small roots that are parched and in need of water. Heloise says these carrots are safe to eat unless they are slimy and limp.
Once that lignin is in place, you can't get rid of the white, but it doesn't harm the carrot at all. So go ahead and eat the sweet little crunchers.
Sclerotinia disease on carrots is becoming a serious economic disease in many vegetable growing areas. It is considered to be the most destructive disease of stored carrots. Significant losses can occur during the long storage over the winter.
"There is no need to peel carrots before eating—many people enjoy eating them with the skin on," says Alan Hilowitz, former communications director at Bolthouse Farms. "However, since carrots are grown in the ground, washing/scrubbing is important if you do choose not to peel," he adds.
Carrots. You'll feel full quickly eating carrots and other crudites, but this veggie is another food that is a bit slow to digest, and your sleep might suffer because of it.
You'll have to store your carrots in the refrigerator, but how you store them can actually make a difference. Raw carrots, when properly stored will usually stay fresh for around 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge. If your carrots are sliced or chopped, you can store them in the fridge and they'll last for about 2 to 3 weeks.
The surprising fact is eating too many carrots, or other foods high in beta-carotene, can cause a yellowish discoloration of the skin, according to the Dermatology Clinic at UAMS. This discoloration, a condition called carotenemia, is most noticeable on the palms and soles.
Deformed carrots can be caused by a variety of problems and may be forked, bumpy or otherwise misshapen. These carrots are usually edible, although the core may become woody and slightly bitter. In fact, many of the baby carrots you purchase as snacks are just whittled down deformed carrots.
Deformed carrots are not only caused by poor soil but may also be from the activities of root knot nematodes or a disease called Phytoplasma aster. Nematodes are nearly invisible soil organisms with feeding activity that can cause nodules to form on plant roots.
The occurrence of virus-infected or wild-growing carrots can lead to the greening effect. Generally, carrots that have turned green are still edible, although the quality may be diminished.
If you fail to harvest the carrots in the allotted time, the tops will eventually flower, causing them to become inedible. As such, you will want to keep track of its growth.
Both processed and fresh carrots handling involves the production of wastes, including peel, which may represent a good source of important bioactive compounds. However, removing the peels may result in changes in the nutritional/antioxidant properties of peeled products.
Tasters unanimously preferred the peel-free carrots in the glazed and roasted samples. In both cases, the skins on the unpeeled carrots became wrinkled, tough, and gritty. Their flavor was “again earthier, but not in a good way” and they weren't particularly appealing looking.
Some moldy food can be saved
Carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, potatoes, and similar firm produce have a low moisture content that makes it difficult for mold to achieve deep penetration. Removing the area around any mold spots should be enough to save these vegetables and fruits.
While it isn't advisable to eat soft fruits and vegetables that have grown mould, it can be ok when consuming firm produce such as carrots, bell peppers and cabbage.
Normally, you can eat mushrooms that have a small amount of white fuzz on them. This fuzz forms due to a fungus that is known as mycelium, and it is not dangerous to people.
In carrots, the edible food part is the root and not the stems.
More than 80 percent of the thread in raw carrots is insoluble fiber, which binds to water and aids in effective digestion and bowel regularity. Consuming significant amounts of insoluble fiber might cause stomach pain and loose stools until the digestive system adjusts to the greater fiber intake.