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The Versatile Kuroda Carrot

Look no further if you’ve been looking for the perfect versatile small carrot. The Kuroda carrot of the heirloom and Chantenay variety may be perfect for all your root vegetable needs. Full of flavor and color, this carrot should not be overlooked.

Keep reading to learn all about this small and chunky carrot, including how to grow it at home and ways to enjoy it.

Looking to buy Kuroda Carrot seeds? Check availability!

kuroda carrot

History

This carrot variety was originally developed in Asia during the 1950s. It was refined from the Chantenay strand to make it suitable for growth almost anywhere.

Although it has been around for some time, this carrot has been new and improved over the past few years, making it potentially the best-tasting carrot on the market.

We have come a long way since carrots used to be used mostly for their seeds and leaves because the root vegetables’ had an unpleasant taste. With the creation of the Kuroda variety, enjoying the flavorful and tender taproot has never been so sweet!


Characteristics

Baby carrots in a pot

Appearance

The Kuroda Carrot is short and stout, with broad shoulders and little to no tapering. It has a deep orange-red color with an abundance of bright green stems protruding from its head.

Size

These fun-sized carrots average about five inches long and two inches in diameter.

How They Taste

The Kuroda carrot is known for its crisp crunch and bright, sweet flavor. They’re ultra-fine-grained in texture and are said to please even the most discerning palates.


Health Benefits

Carrots are packed with a variety of benefits that can positively impact your daily diet.

They are rich in beta-carotene. This molecule converts to vitamin A, which is great for supporting your vision, immune system, and reproductive health.

Kuroda carrots are also packed with fiber which helps with your digestive and cardiovascular health. An increased intake of fiber can reduce cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss.


Ways to Enjoy

The Kuroda carrot’s sweet flavor profile makes it perfect for just about any of your favorite carrot recipes.

Glasses of carrot juice with vegetables on table close up

Juice Them!

Because of their flavor and rich levels of vitamin A, Kuroda carrots are the perfect ingredient for a healthy and refreshing juice.

You can use this vegetable to make an antioxidant-rich carrot juice. With an abundance of electrolytes and half of your daily biotin requirement, keep this juice in your fridge and enjoy it as a daily health supplement.

Sauteéd

If healthy juices aren’t your thing, these Garlic Butter Sauteéd Carrots may pique your interest. Tender and buttery, this carrot recipe is sure to win over anyone, even self-proclaimed ‘veggie-haters.’

Simply chop your Kuroda carrots and toss them in a pan with melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until caramelized and tender, and enjoy this fragrant, flavorful (and sneakily healthy), dish!

You can use the Kuroda carrots to cater to their natural sweetness to make these irresistible Sweet Baby Carrots. This recipe may not be the most nutritious with honey, butter, and brown sugar, but it sure is tasty!

As an added bonus, it only takes about 25 minutes to whip up and will still provide you with great vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.


Buying the Kuroda Carrot

Where to Buy

Because of its adaptability, the Kuroda carrot can be found in grocery stores almost everywhere. You can often find them at a Walmart Superstore, Whole Foods Market, and other local favorite grocery stores that sell produce.

Another great place to find these carrots is at your nearby farmers’ market. If you’re looking for a locally grown source of Kuroda carrots, this is a great option.

When to Buy

The Kuroda carrots are extremely versatile and can adapt to almost any climate. They grow exceptionally well in cooler temperatures, making them readily available throughout the spring, summer, and fall.


Growing Your Own

New fresh carrots in soil in garden

Growing carrots at home is an easy and fun project. The Kuroda carrot is a great choice for home gardeners, no matter your level of experience.

Even those who struggle with growing root vegetables can enjoy the bountiful harvest of these bright orange carrots in a variety of conditions.

Soil

Because they are a derivative of the Chantenay-type, these carrots can thrive in hard clay or rocky soils. They prefer a soil temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carrots need consistent and adequate moisture throughout their germination process. If you can’t water them frequently, you can use a tarp or covering to keep the soil moist during this time.

Sunlight

Your plant should have a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day. If necessary, this plant can survive in partial shade.

Care Tips

Kuroda carrot seeds perform best when they are directly seeded, meaning they aren’t the best crop to transplant.

Make sure to follow proper guidelines on how to plant carrot seeds. These carrots thrive exceptionally well under drip irrigation under a double-row layout.

Carrots are known to grow best during the cooler months, so be sure to plant your seeds during the early spring or fall.

Harvesting

You’re ready to start your harvest when the carrots reach about the size of your finger. If you planted your carrots for a summer-season harvest, make sure not to leave them in the ground too long as the heat may cause them to split.

Pro tip: Later-season carrots are able to be held in the ground longer and even become sweeter in the colder weather!


Buying Seeds

carrot seeds

We recommend Hoss Tools for buying your Kuroda carrot seeds. Make sure to take a look at the different size options to ensure you’re growing exactly what you want.


Wrapping Up the Kuroda Carrot

Whether you’re looking to add a dose of daily vitamins to your diet or are simply eager to try a new home-grown crop, the Kuroda carrot has it all.

Now that you’re an expert on the Kuroda carrot feel free to learn more about its parent strain, the Royal Chantenay Carrot. Or, spend time exploring all things carrots, including growing, harvesting, and enjoying them.