Long Red Carrots, 500 g

Long Red Carrots Overview

Long red carrots are a vibrant, elongated variety of carrots, cherished in Indian and Asian cuisines for their sweet taste and deep red hue. They are often longer than typical carrots and add a striking color to dishes. The red color is due to high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that’s beneficial for heart health and skin.

Health Benefits of Long Red Carrots

1. Rich in Antioxidants: High levels of lycopene and beta-carotene protect cells and may lower the risk of chronic illnesses.
2. Promotes Eye Health: Beta-carotene supports vision and may prevent age-related eye issues.
3. Boosts Immunity: Vitamin C in red carrots strengthens immune health.
4. Supports Heart Health: Lycopene can lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure, supporting heart function.
5. Aids Digestion: The fiber in long red carrots promotes digestive health, helps regularize bowel movements, and prevents constipation.

Nutritional Value (Per 100g of Long Red Carrot)

• Calories: 41 kcal
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.6 g
• Fiber: 2.8 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Vitamin A: 835 μg
• Vitamin C: 5.9 mg
• Potassium: 320 mg
• Iron: 0.3 mg

How to Eat Long Red Carrots

1. Raw in Salads: Add slices or shreds to salads for color and crunch.
2. Juices and Smoothies: Great for fresh, nutrient-packed juices.
3. Stir-Fry and Curry: Use in stir-fries or curries for added sweetness and nutrition.
4. Soups and Stews: Ideal in soups, where they add depth and flavor.
5. Desserts: Traditional in Indian desserts like gajar ka halwa, where their natural sweetness shines.

Flavor Profile of Long Red Carrots

Long red carrots have a naturally sweet, slightly earthy flavor with a subtle hint of bitterness. Their sweetness and vibrant color make them perfect for both savory and sweet dishes.

Recipes Using Long Red Carrots

Indian Recipes

1. Long Red Carrot Gajar Ka Halwa

   • Ingredients:
     • Grated long red carrots: 2 cups
     • Milk: 1 cup
     • Sugar: 1/4 cup
     • Ghee: 2 tbsp
     • Cardamom powder: 1/4 tsp
     • Chopped almonds & pistachios: 2 tbsp
   • Steps:
     1. Heat ghee in a pan, add grated carrots, and sauté for 5–7 minutes.
     2. Add milk, simmer until the carrots are soft, and milk is absorbed.
     3. Add sugar and cook until thick.
     4. Stir in cardamom powder and garnish with nuts.

2. Long Red Carrot and Peas Stir-Fry

   • Ingredients:
     • Diced long red carrots: 1 cup
     • Green peas: 1/2 cup
     • Oil: 1 tbsp
     • Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
     • Curry leaves: 5–6
     • Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
     • Salt: to taste
   • Steps:
     1. Heat oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves until they splutter.
     2. Add carrots, turmeric, and salt; cook until tender.
     3. Add peas and stir-fry briefly, then serve.

3. Long Red Carrot Soup

   • Ingredients:
     • Chopped long red carrots: 2 cups
     • Onion (chopped): 1 small
     • Garlic (chopped): 2 cloves
     • Vegetable stock: 3 cups
     • Salt and pepper: to taste
   • Steps:
     1. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
     2. Add red carrots, then pour in vegetable stock and simmer until soft.
     3. Blend and season with salt and pepper before serving.

4. Carrot Paratha with Long Red Carrots

   • Ingredients:
     • Grated long red carrot: 1/2 cup
     • Whole wheat flour: 1 cup
     • Carom seeds: 1/2 tsp
     • Salt: to taste
     • Oil: 1 tbsp
     • Water: as needed
   • Steps:
     1. Combine all ingredients and knead into a dough.
     2. Roll out parathas and cook with a bit of oil on a hot griddle until golden.
     3. Serve with yogurt or chutney.

5. Red Carrot Pickle

   • Ingredients:
     • Long red carrot sticks: 1 cup
     • Mustard oil: 2 tbsp
     • Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
     • Fenugreek seeds: 1/2 tsp
     • Red chili powder: 1 tsp
     • Salt: to taste
   • Steps:
     1. Heat mustard oil, add mustard and fenugreek seeds.
     2. Add carrots, salt, and chili powder; stir well.
     3. Allow to cool and store in a jar for a few days before serving.

Non-Indian Recipes

1. Roasted Long Red Carrot and Beet Salad

   • Ingredients:
     • Sliced long red carrots: 1 cup
     • Sliced beets: 1/2 cup
     • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
     • Balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp
     • Salt and pepper: to taste
     • Fresh basil for garnish
   • Steps:
     1. Toss carrots and beets in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
     2. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes.
     3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and garnish with basil.

2. Long Red Carrot Smoothie

   • Ingredients:
     • Chopped long red carrots: 1 cup
     • Orange juice: 1 cup
     • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
     • Honey: 1 tbsp
   • Steps:
     1. Blend carrots, orange juice, yogurt, and honey until smooth.
     2. Serve chilled.

3. Honey-Glazed Long Red Carrot Fries

   • Ingredients:
     • Long red carrot sticks: 1 cup
     • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
     • Honey: 1 tbsp
     • Salt and pepper: to taste
   • Steps:
     1. Toss carrot sticks with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
     2. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Long Red Carrot and Chickpea Salad

   • Ingredients:
     • Shredded long red carrots: 1/2 cup
     • Cooked chickpeas: 1 cup
     • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
     • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
     • Salt and pepper: to taste
   • Steps:
     1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
     2. Season and serve as a healthy side dish.

5. Creamy Long Red Carrot Soup

   • Ingredients:
     • Chopped long red carrots: 2 cups
     • Coconut milk: 1 cup
     • Vegetable stock: 2 cups
     • Chopped onion: 1 small
     • Chopped garlic: 2 cloves
     • Salt and pepper: to taste
   • Steps:
     1. Sauté onion and garlic, then add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
     2. Add stock, simmer until soft, blend with coconut milk, and season.

Long red carrots are a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with them in your cooking to make your meals vibrant and flavorful!

.