The green tops of carrots are edible, super delicious and packed with nutrients. Carrot greens possess sweet earthy flavor similar to carrots. Carrot greens contain alkaloids like other vegetables in nightshade family such as tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers and potatoes but are regarded to be safe and nutritious for consumption. Carrot greens are the leaves on the top of carrot’s taproot. There was widespread belief that greens were toxic due to its bitter flavor as humans associate bitterness with toxicity. These greens are edible and do not have threat to health. When consumed, carrot greens are leafy, delicate and have fibrous taste when consumed. The flavor is nicely paired with sweet and could be blanched to soften flavor. Carrot leaves are lacy, feathery with jagged sides. It tastes the combination of bitter and sweet having grassy texture and astringent scent.
Uses for Carrot Greens
- Use carrot greens as salad greens.
- Pair it with sweeter ingredients such as vinaigrette.
- Use it as a topping for carrot soup or mix these greens into hummus, couscous, chickpea salads and pesto.
- Add it to stir fries and curries or as a garnish.
- Carrot greens are used to make vegetable shakes and juices.
- Use it in soups, salads and sandwiches.
How to Store Carrot Greens?
Blanch the greens in boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes then cool it immediately. Dry the greens and wrap them in a paper towel in a plastic bag. Then store it in a refrigerator.
How to Sautée Carrot Greens?
Step 1: Clean the greens thoroughly.
Step 2: Blanch carrot greens in a sauté pan.
Step 3: Add two teaspoons of olive oil to the pan with pepper and salt.
Step 4: Sauté greens for about 2-3 minutes till it turn brown.
Step 5: Add lemon juice and cook for another 1 minute. Serve hot.
Health Benefits of Carrot Greens
- Immune System
Carrot leaves have high content of vitamin C which is six times more than in roots. Carrot leaves when added to chicken soup or salad could boost the immune system better. It is used to provide relief from cold and also beneficial for skin health.
- Prevents tumor
Green leaves contain chlorophyll which is a chemical responsible for photosynthesis and making the leaves green. Chlorophyll has powerful nutrients that help to prevent the growth of tumor cells. Research shows that carrot leaves is able to hinder growth of tumor that restricts malignant cell division.
- Mild diuretics
Besides growth of tumor, chlorophyll found in carrot leaves act as mild diuretic that helps to stimulate outflow of bodily fluid in form of urine.
- Detoxifies body
Chlorophyll have shown detoxification effect to the bodies similar to green tea. Detoxifying effect helps the kidney to filter toxic substances from the blood, prevents formation of kidney stones.
- Digestive health
Chlorophyll have detoxifying properties that helps to cleanse the colon. When combined with dietary fiber, it stimulates bowel movement; discards waste and improve nutrient absorption.
- Healthy heart
Carrot leaves have high content of potassium assisting regulation of blood pressure. Add carrot leaves to daily meal by keeping heart healthy, lowering high blood pressure and prevent stroke caused by atherosclerosis.
- Maintains endurance
Carrot leaves have high content of macronutrients such as magnesium that helps to prevent inflammation by reinforcing the muscle tissues in the body. When combined with potassium, it strengthens muscles and promotes flow of blood energizing the body throughout the day.
- Strengthen bones
Besides minerals, carrot leaves contains Vitamin K which is crucial for blood clotting and bone density. Combined with magnesium and calcium, Vitamin K enhances bone health and its strength by lowering the chances of bone and joint problems such as osteoporosis.
- Maintains eye health
Carrot leaves are nutritious. It has high content of Vitamin A which helps to maintain eye health. It is a great idea to make carrot plants, leaves and roots.
- Improve blood circulation
Carrot leaves have high content of magnesium and potassium which helps to maintain blood circulation. Improve circulation of blood assist better metabolism, sharper focus and essential to maintain overall health.
- Regulate blood pressure
Both magnesium and potassium helps to maintain blood pressure. Studies have significant correlations between magnesium intakes and maintain blood pressure.
- Anemia prevention
Anemic patients should consume carrot leaves that boost hemoglobin production in red blood cells that prevents anemia. Carrot leaves are natural alternatives which help to boost hemoglobin.
- Menstruation supplement
Chemical compounds are present in carrot leaves. It is called porphyrins which are commonly found in wild carrot leaves. Porphyrins include stimulating pituitary gland that releases sex hormones. Hormone stimulates uterus that controls menstruation cycles. It effects uterine contractions so it is better not to be used by pregnant women.
- Treats kidney problem
Carrot leaves helps to stimulate filtering process of kidneys by promoting the outflow of urine. It serves to be solutions to kidney problems such as kidney stones and oedema.
- Relieve migraine
Carrot leaves has vitamin and minerals that acts as natural health supplements. It provides relief from headaches such as migraine headaches. Migraine is a headache symptom that occurs one side of head characterized by pain it caused often induces nausea and dizziness. Migraines are caused by deficiencies that include low blood pressure and anemia.
Medicinal uses
- The antiseptic properties, carrot leaf juice are used as mouthwash to minimize bad breath and heal mouth sores.
- Mashed greens mixed with honey to assist cleaning festering wounds.
Side effects
Carrot greens shows side effects when consumed in excessive amounts. People allergic to celery and parsley then avoid it.
References:
https://www.organicfacts.net/carrot-greens.html
http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/carrotops.html
https://www.onlyfoods.net/carrot-greens.html
