04 Jul Sun 2021
Georgia Grown carrots
Carrots, one of Georgia's newest and most popular commodities, are grown commercially in the southern part of the state. Carrots are harvested in Georgia from December through June of each year. 2021 was the first year we planted carrots and I only sowed them after reading about companion planting! I figured the worst that could happen would be they seeded out into Queen Ann's lace flowers that I use in cut flower arrangements, or they would keep the soil loose for the radishes and other root crops, so I sowed them amongst the beans, squash, collards, onions and okra. Today, July 4, I remembered them as my husband and I discussed garden plans for the remainder of the summer and to my amazement there were beautiful carrots! They smell and look amazing and I can't wait to roast some.
As a proponent of a no-waste kitchen, I like to use the tops for more than animal feed and compost, so I found a great pesto recipe online that is delicious. I made a few batches and froze them. I have too many tops to keep making pesto, so I will also try them sautéed, like spinach. They also flavor broth nicely, like their cousin parsley.
All the remaining tops will go to my Jersey milk cows, Dorothy and Eula, who like a special meal while I collect their milk.
Next time you eat carrots, try to find some that are locally grown; it isn't too hard!