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.
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.
Carrots fork because the growing tip of the root has been impeded or damaged by someone or something. The someone may be a soil insect or nematode that has nibbled on the tip of the root. The somethings are likely obstacles in the soil like small pebbles or stones.
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.
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.
Carrot Root Flies
The worm stage will attack carrots and other root crops. They feed directly on the root system. If you identify these pests in your garden, harvest immediately to avoid them spreading and living on after the harvest. Crop rotation and deeply tilling your soil can also help eradicate this pest.
The first and foremost reason for deformed carrots is poor soil composition and improper cultivation. Carrots that have to expend energy to grow through rocky and compacted soil will frequently split and become deformed. The soil should also be relatively loose, not compacted.
Common scab is a bacterial disease that produces circular, corky, raised lesions or bumps on the tuber or root surface of potatoes. It can also be a problem of beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips, and radish. The lesions are tan to brown in color. The disease is encouraged by soil pH above 5.5.
Carrots left in the ground too long will be tough, woody, and may crack. Check roots during storage and remove those that begin to deteriorate.
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.
It could be due to unseasonable weather, hot then cold, wet then dry. The soil may have become compacted as well as contain coarse material such as stones, chunks of wood or bark.
Description. Wild carrot is an herbaceous biennial in the carrot family (Apiaceae) that starts as a rosette in the first year. It grows between 1- 4 feet and the stem is hairy.
"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.
Damage symptoms
Black rot of carrots (Alternaria radicina) causes death of seedlings and dark brown lesions with a yellow halo on leaves, growing into crown rot. Infection of carrots during post-harvest storage causes dry, sunken, black lesions. Typically, Alternaria causes spots on leaves, petals and stems.
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.
If carrot seed is sown too thickly, and the young seedlings are not thinned out enough, the plants will crowd one another and their roots will bend, curl and twist around each other.
Key to Pests of Carrots. Since carrots are root crops, soil-inhabiting pests such as wireworms and vegetable weevils have the most direct effect on produce quality. Armyworms, however, may cause indirect injury to the taproot by cutting stems and/or consuming foliage above ground.
Root knot nematodes in carrots are a major pathogen which also affects other food crops, such as onions and lettuce. Carrots affected by root knot nematodes display malformed, stubby, hairy roots. The carrots are still edible, but they are ugly and distorted with tough galls and thick skin.
Some moldy foods are beyond repair, but it is safe to eat some, such as carrots, after removing the area around visible mold. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is safe to eat carrots and other firm vegetables after cutting at least one inch below and around any mold spots.
Hugh overgrown carrots are less tasty, and they may have a tough woody core which may need to be removed. Store carrots with the green tops trimmed. Although the tops are edible, during storage this greenery robs the carrot of moisture and nutritional value.
The entire carrot plant is edible from the time the seed sprouts, so there's no “wrong” time to harvest carrots. It's also important to note that, as biennials, carrots store quite well in the ground. It could work to just harvest enough for immediate use.