Carrot Facts:

Carrots get their bright orange color from β-carotene, which turns into vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant in the human body.  Vitamin A help preserve vision, fight infections, maintain healthy skin and bones, and regulate cell growth and division. (1) Without enough vitamin A, you may be at a higher risk for night blindness or experience skin disorders or infections. It is also a key structural component in the development and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs (1).

Carrots are also an excellent source of fiber, several B-vitamins, vitamin K and potassium (2).

Shopping and Storage Tips:

• Purchase carrots with a smooth and firm surface; avoid those that have cracks or rootlets. The more orange the carrots, the more β-carotene they contain.
• Remove the green tops before storing carrots. Put them in plastic bags and refrigerate them for up to three months.
• Carrots should be stored away from apples, peaches, pears and other fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, since it will cause carrots to become bitter (3).

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