Before most self-respecting Americans had ever heard of celeriac or jícama, carrots were practically the only root vegetable in town. They could be eaten raw or cooked until mushy. They were delightfully sweet in flavor and kept in the fridge for weeks. People liked them, and we still like them, even though we now have access to other more exotic root vegetables. Carrots are inexpensive, reliable, and versatile enough that almost everyone enjoys at least one carrot dish or another.
The carrots we find at the grocery store are almost invariably orange and, these days, cut into unattractive thumb-shaped nubbins labeled "baby carrots." Buying these is a mistake, since they're often made from sub-par larger carrots; they have no flavor to begin with, and they dry out quickly. If you want carrot sticks to snack on, you're much better off taking a few extra minutes to peel larger carrots and cut them into sticks at home. (You can store these in water in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.)
Real baby carrots -- immature roots that look like miniature versions of regular-sized carrots -- are hard to find but deliciously sweet and delicate; they can be eaten and cooked whole (you don't even have to peel them). And other varieties of carrots -- purple, red, or even white ones -- taste quite a bit like their orange relatives but are a fun change of pace. (Kids love them.)
Whatever kind of carrots you're buying, make sure they're hard and crunchy -- flaccid carrots are good for absolutely nothing. If they have their greens attached, remove these before you store the carrots, or else they'll pull water and vitamins out of the roots and make the carrots go bad more quickly. If they're relatively fresh when you buy them, and if you keep them loosely covered in the refrigerator, carrots will stay good for weeks.
Once you start cooking with them, though, you'll find lots of ways to get through that bag before they go bad. Carrots aren't just fodder for sticks. Glazed carrots, for example, rather than being outmoded, are a treat: Cut some carrots into coins, put them in a saucepan with butter and just enough water to come an inch or two up the side of the pan, cover, and simmer for fifteen minutes or so. When the carrots are tender, remove the lid and let any remaining liquid boil away; you'll be left with a rich, shiny glaze coating the carrots. The carrots have more than enough backbone to make this simple dish plenty likeable.
And carrots play well with other ingredients. I especially love the comforting combination of sweet, starchy carrots and savory, meaty beef, which come together to make a hearty stew that's perfect for cool autumn nights. Carrots taste great with Asian seasonings, too, and they're fabulous mixed with celery and tossed with soy sauce and sesame oil for an unexpected appetizer, salad, or side dish.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.