Are you under the impression, carrot greens are rabbit food? Well, they sure are good for those little creatures, but, in fact, they are also very healthy for us!
Carrots with the greens still on are easiest to find on farmer's markets!
Yes, you don't come across carrot greens very often. They are usually already cut off when you get them in the supermarket.
Sadly. Because the carrot greens are half the plant and actually very nutritious!
They contain way more vitamin C than the roots,
and significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, and iron.
They are also rich in fiber, which is good for both digestion and nutrient absorption, and carotenoids, which are good for the eyes. Furthermore, they have a high chlorophyll content, which can help in healing the skin and detoxification of the body.
Plus they contain a large amount of potassium, which helps to keep blood pressure in control.
So, what a shame to throw them out! You already paid for them so you might as well benefit from those healthy vitamin bombs!
Throwing the healthier part of carrots in the bin? OH HELL NO!
So, what can you do instead?
Well, a well-known way of using the tops is, to make some yummy pesto or use them in chimichurri.
Another good way to save them is to dry them and use them to flavor all kinds of broths, soups, stews, and other dishes. It's a good way to keep them for longer and even use them in winter for a healthy boost!
Another possibility is, to use the tops like parsley. For example in homemade falafel.
But, my favorite way to eat them is as a wakame-style salad! So delicious!
If you don't believe me, try it yourself! What do you have to lose?
Now, before we start with the recipe, a little insider tip: Cut the greens off the carrots right away, otherwise they will suck the life out of your poor carrots!
Carrot Green Salad Wakame-Style
Serves 2 as a starter
Ingredients
The greens of a whole bunch of carrots
2 parts soy sauce
2 parts sake
1 part vinegar (rice or whatever you have)
4 parts sesame seeds
A little sugar
Wash your carrot greens well and boil them for 10 minutes in lightly salted water.
Drain them and press access water out of them. Now you can soak them overnight to get rid of some bitterness or use them as they are if you don't mind a bitter note. In the meantime roast your sesame seeds in a pan, no oil is needed! But, be careful and watch them closely, stir frequently, and don't let them burn!
Chop your carrot greens into small pieces and add all ingredients, mix well. start with 2 teaspoons of soy sauce and adjust to your liking.
Enjoy right away or keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
So, what do you think?
Will you go the extra mile from now on and get the carrots WITH the greens?
Will you do something good for your own and the planet's health?
I hope I could give you some new perspectives on cooking and the nutritional value of food scraps.
If you like my blog posts and want to support me, you can do that now on Patreon.
You would make me veeery happy!💚
And you can get some cool things out of it, like some 1on1 consulting with me!
So, I hope to see you soon!
Until then, have a great time and take care!
Love,
Jo
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