Round Carrots
Estimated Inventory, 24 ct : 4.38
This item was last sold on : 11/16/24
Description/Taste
Round carrots are small in size, averaging 2-5 centimeters in diameter, and are distinguished by their globular, short shape, similar in appearance to a round radish. The skin is smooth, firm, and bright orange, also lightly covered in fine root hairs. Underneath the surface, the nearly coreless flesh is orange, dense, and crisp. Round carrots are crunchy with a sweet flavor. In addition to the roots, the slender green foliage is equally edible with herbaceous carrot and parsley undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Round carrots are available year-round.
Current Facts
Round carrots, botanically classified as Daucus carota subs. Sativus, are edible, underground roots that belong to the Apiaceae family along with parsnips, celery, and parsley. A French heirloom variety introduced to the market in the 19th century, Round carrots are highly favored for their unique size, shape, and sweet flavor. There are many cultivars of Round carrots including the Parisienne, Paris Market, Mini Round, Parisian Market, Early Horn, Golden Ball, Thumbelina, and Parisian Rondo, and these varieties may also be found under the name Tonda Di Parigi which means the “round of Paris.” Round carrots are an early season variety that has been highly utilized in high-end restaurants in France, often paired with roasts, and are a specialty variety that is primarily localized to farmers markets.
Nutritional Value
Round carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which can help prevent vision loss, vitamin C to protect the body from sickness, fiber to assist with digestion, and some vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, folate, and potassium. Brightly orange colored carrots also contain the pigments known as carotenoids and flavonoids, two important phytochemicals found in plant foods that provide several antioxidant benefits.
Applications
Round carrots are extremely versatile and can be utilized in both raw and cooked applications such as roasting, steaming, boiling, and grilling. When raw, the bite-sized roots can be washed and consumed straight out of the garden, or they can be sliced for grain bowls, appetizer plates, and salads. In cooked applications, diced Round carrots are a key ingredient in soup stocks, broths, curries, stews, and roasts. They can also be lightly grilled or roasted and served with cooked meats, lentils, dals, pasta, and rice dishes, or steamed and coated in a honey orange glaze as a sweet, caramelized side dish. Round carrots pair well with onions, garlic, ginger, nuts such as walnuts and pistachios, herbs such as coriander, parsley, cilantro, sage, and mint, nutmeg, tomatoes, cheeses such as parmesan and feta, and polenta. The roots will keep up to one month when stored loosely placed in a plastic bag with good air circulation in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Never store fruit along with carrots, as fruits expel ethylene gas that is readily absorbed by carrots. The carrots exposed to the ethylene gas will turn very bitter, making them not suitable for eating.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States, Round carrots are a popular home garden variety for their early season and simple growth habits. The root’s small size allows it to grow in heavy clay soils where other carrot varieties cannot survive. Round carrots also grow well in containers and compact spaces as they are planted close together, making it a favored variety for small gardens. In addition to home gardening, Round carrots have increased in popularity as a snack item in children’s lunch boxes. Their small size and easy to bite consistency allows children to enjoy this nutritious root throughout the school day.
Geography/History
Round carrots are believed to be native to Europe, specifically France, and were originally cultivated for their round size and faster growth habits than elongated classic varieties. The round roots were then made famous by farmers market gardeners in 19th century Paris and were introduced to the United States sometime later in the 19th century. Today Round carrots are found at local farmer markets, specialty grocers, and in home gardens in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Cove House | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0034 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant) | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Fox Point Farms (Haven) | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Camino Riviera | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| The Whaling Bar | La Jolla CA | 858-355-9218 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Round Carrots. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Salt and Lavender |
|
Maple Roasted Beets and Carrots |
| The Clever Carrot |
|
Honey Baked Parisian Carrots with Orange & Thyme |
