Wholesale Carrot

description
Daucus carota is a biennial plant in the Apiaceae family that grows a rosette of leaves in the spring and summer, while building up the stout taproot that stores large amounts of sugars for the plant to flower in the second year. The leaves, produced from the stem nodes, are alternating and compound, and arranged in a spiral. The leaf blades are pinnate. When the seed stalk elongates, the tip of the stem narrows and becomes pointed, extends upward, and becomes a highly branched inflorescence. The stems grow to 60–200 cm (20–80 in) tall.

Taproots typically have a conical shape, although cylindrical and round cultivars are available. The root diameter can range from 1 cm (0.4 in) to as much as 10 cm (4 in) at the widest part. The root length ranges from 5 cm (2.0 in) to 50 cm (20 in), although most are between 10 and 25 cm (4 and 10 in).

The inflorescence is a compound umbel, and each umbel contains several umbellets. The first (primary) umbel occurs at the end of the main floral stem; smaller secondary umbels grow from the main branch, and these branch into third, fourth, and even later-flowering umbels. A large primary umbel can contain up to 50 umbellets, each of which may have as many as 50 flowers; subsequent umbels have fewer flowers.

Flowers are small and white, sometimes with a light green or yellow tint. They consist of five petals, five stamens, and an entire calyx. The anthers usually dehisce and the stamens fall off before the stigma becomes receptive to receive pollen. The fruit that develops is a schizocarp consisting of two mericarps; each mericarp is an achene or true seed. The paired mericarps are easily separated when they are dry.

common names & nomenclature
The common name Queen Anne's lace is used because the flower resembles lace; the red flower in the center is thought to represent a blood drop where Queen Anne pricked herself with a needle when she was making the lace. It is also called Wild Carrot, because this European plant is the progenitor (wild ancestor) of the domestic carrot.

Also known as:
carrot, carot, carotte, djane racene, hu lo po, jezar, yarkuki, zanahoria, wild carrot, bird's nest, bishop's lace, queen anne's lace, birds nest weed, bees nest, devils plague, garden carrot, bird's nest root, fools parsley, lace flower, gaizar, havuc, hawuch, huang lo po, hung lo po, jezar, mohrrube, peen, philtron, yarkuki, zanahoria

Most people will wonder why carrot powder is not orange like the carrot. The first thought usually is "how old is this?", or "is this really carrot powder?"

Once a vegetable is milled it will quickly lose its color, and this is especially so with carrots. "Carotene" is what gives carrots its orange color. After carrots are milled to powder the carotene fades very rapidly, usually within 30 days. This will always result in a very pale orange, yellowish and sometime white color.

Formulas & recipes
Most are familiar with the bright orange, taproot vegetable that is the carrot. Carrots are known for being extremely nutritious as it contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E, and K. Carrot powder is not as well known but is a great way to receive all the health benefits of the carrot by adding it to various dishes.

Carrot powder can be used to thicken soups, stews, or broths and provides a beautiful earthy flavor as well. Carrot powder can also be added easily to smoothie mixes or even encapsulated to receive the benefits of the nutrient-rich vegetable.

Golden carrot smoothie
Ingredients:
-¼ cup water
-¼ cup mango juice
-½ frozen banana
-1 tablespoon greek yogurt
-1 teaspoon turmeric powder
-2 teaspoons carrot powder
-1 or 2 scoops of ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, golden, and uniform. If the smoothie is too thick, add some more water or juice. If the smoothie is too thin, add some more ice or greek yogurt.