The Bolero Carrot

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History of the Bolero Carrot:

The Bolero carrot, Daucus carota, is classified as part of the Apiacea family and is a hybrid of the ever-popular Nantes carrots.

Nantes carrots first originated in France and were named after the city of their birth. Henri Vilmorin, a prominent French botanist, developed them.

Given their sophisticated history, it’s not hard to see why these carrots make the perfect French delicacy to add to your leafy green salads.

Now, Boleros can be found in many places around the world, including the United States.

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Characteristics of the Bolero Carrot:

Bolero roots grow between 6-8 inches long, have cylindrical bodies with dulled, rounded ends, and boast a bright orange skin that is both crunchy and full of flavor.

Juicy and sweet, the mild and fresh taste of the Bolero is one that can be enjoyed immediately after harvest or cooked into a dish. They are also excellent when juiced.

Easy to grow, cook, and store, these carrots are a favorite among home and commercial growers.

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How to Use the Bolero Carrot

One favorite feature of this carrot is that it can be eaten raw. It’s the perfect snack fresh from the ground.

Whether eaten out of the hand, added atop a summer salad, or blended into a smoothie, the sweet flavor of this carrot is a delight!

The Boleros are also extremely versatile when it comes to cooking.

These delectable carrots can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, pan-roasting, blanching, and sauteing.

They pair well with many different vegetables, spices, herbs, and even many nut varieties, making them the perfect pantry staple.

Boleros are especially good for making carrot cakes. Can we say yum? This one especially is to die for: The Best Carrot Cake Recipe You’ve Ever Tasted!

Here are a few of our other favorite carrot recipes:

Sweet Carrot Ginger Soup

Bolero Carrot Gyoza

Carrot Fries

If you’re not able to consume these carrots raw or cook them right away, they are very easy to store and will last several weeks in the refrigerator. You can also juice boleros, which might be a great alternative for any picky veggie eaters out there.

Boleros can also be easily stored in the freezer and will last up to 12 months.

Once frozen, these carrots retain their flavor and are just as crunchy and tasty as they are when fresh.

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Health Benefits of Consuming Bolero Carrots

As healthy as they are delicious, Boleros are packed with nutrients.

Consuming carrots as part of your regular diet can aid in the improvement of your skin, dental heath, and vision, boost the immune system, and also help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Bolero carrots are good sources of vitamins A, B, and C, and contain antioxidants and minerals, such as potassium.

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Growing Your Own Bolero Carrots

While some growers consider carrots to be a bit persnickety when it comes to planting and growing, the Bolero carrots aren’t all that difficult to grow. With the proper planting and care, a bountiful carrot crop is achievable.

Carrots are considered to be cool season crops which mean they are best planted in early spring, typically about two to three weeks before the last frost.

It’s important to make sure that your soil is loose and not compacted; carrots prefer a little breathing room. The optimal soil for your carrot crop is one that is airy and a bit sandy or loamy.

The soil also needs to be free-draining. Much like people, carrots don’t enjoy soggy environments. Plenty of sunshine is also required.

To plant your carrots, you’ll need to sow the seeds about ½ apart and ¼ inch deep (you’ll thin the healthiest seedlings to be 2-3 inches apart later). Each row should be spaced about a foot apart. These carrots take about 2-3 weeks to fully germinate, so make sure to keep your soil well watered.

Boleros are fairly resistant to diseases such as powdery and downy mildew, cavity spot, and alternaria and bacterial blight.

Common vegetable pests such as wireworms and carrot rust flies can be an issue, but if you keep your soil well drained and use a floating row cover during germination, your carrots should remain relatively safe.

Harvesting:

Bolero carrots reach maturity at 75 days. You’ll know when it’s time to harvest when the carrots turn the lovely bright orange color they are known for.

To harvest, simply loosen the dirt around the root and gently pull the root up from the ground. If you choose not to harvest your entire crop at one time, simply leave the unharvested carrots in the soil to preserve them.

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The Bolero: Your New Favorite Carrot

When it comes to carrots, the sweet flavor and crispy texture make the Bolero a favorite among growers!

Whether you’re a commercial farmer or a beginning gardener, these delightful carrots are easy to care for and harvest and even easier to eat and store. And don’t forget all the health benefits that come from consuming these tasty carrots. Healthy and beneficial? Yes, please!

The Bolero carrot is definitely a veggie worth swooning over. You’ll absolutely love these orange beauties–both in the ground and in your belly!

Interested in learning more about carrots? Check out our Carrots page for growing tips and tricks, recipes, and more!