Carrot (1st week)

Pronounce it: ka-rot The carrot, with its distinctive bright orange colour, is one of the most versatile root vegetables around - a result of its sweet flavour, which means it can be used raw or cooked, in sweet or savoury dishes. Up to the Middle Ages, all carrots were purple - the orange variety was first developed in 16th-century Holland by patriotic growers who bred it in tribute to the king, William I of Orange. That old wive's tale about carrots helping you see in the dark isn't entirely off-target; they're very high in betacarotene, which is an important nutrient in maintaining healthy eyes. Availability All year round, but at their best mid May through to the end of September. Choose the best Carrots should be firm, with unblemished, bright orange skins. In spring, look out for young, thin carrots with their feathery greens still attached - they're particularly tender and sweet. Those on sale later in the season will be larger and tougher....