Carrots are one of the most easily recognizable, readily available, and healthiest vegetables that exist in our world today. Most people are familiar with the image of long, slender, and orange carrots, but there are actually many other types of carrots that you can enjoy as well for a little variety.
In this article, we explore different types of carrots and unique varieties that you can even try growing at home.
Nantes Carrots
One of the most popular varieties of carrot is the Nantes carrot, which is long and has a cylindrical shape with blunt ends. This is an heirloom vegetable from France and known for its refined look that’s smooth and proportional. Types of Nantes carrots include Bolero, Napoli, Scarlet Nantes, and White Satin. These carrots grow well in many places and are common in home gardens. Deep soil is not necessary to grow these carrots well.
Chantenay Carrots
You can grow Chantenay carrots in many types of soils and have them turn out sweet and tender from your garden. These carrots have short and conical roots that can do well in clay and rocky soils. Varieties of Chantenay carrots include Hercules, Royal Chantenay, and Red Cored Chantenay. Chantenay carrots should be harvested promptly when they get fully grown, and then they do very well for freezing and canning.
Imperator Carrots
Meanwhile, Imperator carrots have a higher sugar content than other carrot varieties and grow for longer periods of time too. Commercial carrot farmers often grow Imperator Carrots, with popular cultivars that include Atomic Red, Tendersweet, and Autumn King carrots. Imperator carrots look and taste great and grow to be about 10 inches long. For gardeners, you’ll typically need deep and loose soil to grow these carrots effectively.
Danver Carrots
Gardeners choose to grow Danver carrots because they are easy to care for and do well even in shallow soils. These carrots have a dark orange color and rich taste. They have a medium length of about six to seven inches, rounded shoulders, and pointed ends. Danver Half-Long and Danvers 126 carrots are common sub-types of Danver carrots found in gardens. Cosmic Purple is a type of Danver carrot that has a bright purple skin and orange interior.
Mini Carrots
Also known as baby carrots, mini carrots are small because they are harvested before they reach their full size. Some mini carrots grow radish-like roots and can even be planted in containers. Little Finger, Thumbelina, and Paris Market are varieties of miniature carrots. Babette mini carrots are harvested at about three to four inches long, while Romeo mini carrots are more like one to two inches long.
What types of unique and colorful carrots have you tried? Let us know what you thought of either growing or eating them in the comment section below!
And if you’re looking to get even more of the nutrition from carrots in your life, try Seagate Carrot and Garlic Capsules or Seagate Carrot Powder.
