International Carrot Day

April 4^th every year is International Carrot Day for all carrot lovers in order to cherish their favorite vegetable. Carrot is a root vegetable, mainly orange in color. It is believed to have originated in Persia and was originally grown for its leaves and seeds. The tubers of the plant are considered edible, although the green part can also be eaten at times. Carrots contain alpha- and beta-carotene and also have an appropriate amount of vitamin K and vitamin B6. Carrots help with weight loss, improve vision, prevent cancer, promote healthy skin, and more. Carrots are widely used in many dishes, as salads, soups, halwas, cakes, puddings and carrot salads are a tradition in the cuisine of many regions.

History of International Carrot Day

The first annual celebration of this vibrant root took place in 2003 for the pure purpose of celebrating the salad staple. So far, celebrations have been reported to occur in France, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom in the summer and autumn of their growing spots.

85% of the carrots that American buy in grocery stores across the country is used for California. While the potato is traditionally the star of the food show, the carrot - the part that grows out of the soil and towards the sun - is all edible. Many countries use this part of the plant to mix with their salads.

Carrots are one of the few vegetables that are harvested primarily for their roots, rather than for their sprouts. Joining them are potatoes, radishes, turnips, and beets. The color of the traditional carrot is deep orange with a golden tint, but there are many different variations in color that are harvested worldwide, including purple, red and light yellow.

Due to the longevity of carrots when stored in the refrigerator, it often appears in dishes for all seasons, from spring to fall to winter. Carrots are also one of those vegetables that can be eaten raw and fresh, with just a little preparation under cool running water. While alive, you can hear the crunch of carrots from afar. Carrots can be used as a sweet in carrot cake, or as a savory accompaniment to meats like salmon and chicken.

Reasons for International Carrot Day being loved

• Carrots are a fridge staple

When it comes to enthusiasm in the kitchen, we can often overlook the simple staples that have carried us throughout our lives. International Carrot Day reminds us of what this universally loved and popular vegetable may have in each of our fridge drawers.

• Beta-carotene helps strengthen our eyesight

The main vitamin in carrots is beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A after being processed through the human digestive system. Vitamin A is known for promoting eye health as well as bones, teeth and skin.

• Money is not a problem

Carrots are one of the cheapest vegetables you can buy in America.

How to celebrate International Carrot Day

International Carrot day is a pretty simple concept, which of course mostly revolves around eating carrots. But other creative ideas can also be included in the mix!

Eat carrots, carrots and more carrots

The easiest and most delicious way to celebrate International Carrot Day is to make sure carrots are in every meal!

Start the day with some carrot-apple muffins. Then bring a bag of young carrots with a splash of ranch dressing for the day's snack. Round out lunch with a slice of delicious carrot cake.

Then, for dinner, enjoy the basics of the day's most beloved signature grilled vegetable: carrots!

Make carrot cake

A delicious dish loved by many, carrot cake makes a surprising use of this vegetable. Seasoning a cake and topping it with cream cheese frosting is the perfect way to enjoy and celebrate this versatile vegetable.

Plant some carrots

A great way to honor carrots is to try growing a few! They are not a difficult plant to grow, but they do require well-conditioned soil. They can be grown from seed indoors during the cooler months and then moved outdoors when the weather is warmer.

Since they tend to grow around rocks and other roots in the soil, home-grown carrots may not be exactly straight. In fact, it can be quite interesting to see what shape they develop into while hiding underground! No matter what shape they are, they are guaranteed to be delicious and nutritious.

Hold a carrot party

Those looking for a place to serve the carrot cake they made can also go ahead and have an International Carrot Day Party! Gather some friends together and enjoy all the benefits and lovely flavors of carrots. The menu will obviously feature a variety of appetizers, snacks, and desserts, all with carrots as ingredients.

Don't forget that Carrot Juice and Carrot Shoot are fun ways to consume this healthy food. For non-carrot orange-themed drinks, consider orange soda or soft drinks, just to keep things interesting.

Decorate the room with various orange and green items (balloons, crepe paper, paper goods, etc.) and carrot themed decorations. For even more fun, ask guests to dress in revealing orange. It can even be exciting, for a friend who is not so sensitive about their 'carrot' red hair, to be the guest of honor!

Visit the carrot museum

Who knew there was an entire museum dedicated to learning about carrots? And the best part is that it can be accessed by anyone because it is a Virtual Museum! Organized by the World Organization of Carrot Museums, the online site offers all sorts of opportunities and adventures in carrots.

Take an interactive tour, learn about the history and evolution of carrots, see the difference between domesticated and wild carrots, and even explore ancient manuscripts and illustrations are all related to this venerable vegetable!

International Carrot Day is truly an opportunity for versatile vegetables, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert. And a nose for the snowman! Carrots can really do it all!