Have you ever wondered where baby carrots come from? You can wonder no more!
The Royal Chantenay carrot holds all of the answers. Keep reading to learn all about this small but mighty vegetable.
Simply looking to buy the seeds? Check availability.
Characteristics of the Royal Chantenay Carrot
Appearance
The Royal Chantenay carrot is stump-tipped and cylindrical in shape. They’re thick and short and have a bright red-orange hue.
Size
This variety is quite small. They average in size from about five to six inches in length, and about two to three inches wide at the shoulder.
For reference, your typical imperator carrot (what you normally think of when picturing a carrot), is about ten inches long.
Taste
When harvested at the right time, the Royal Chantenay carrot has a sweet and crisp taste. However, if grown past maturity, they’ll become coarse and bitter, especially in the summer heat.
Health Benefits
There is an abundance of Carrot Health Benefits, and the Royal Chantanay variety is no different.
They are a great source of beta-carotene, which protects the body from damaging free radical molecules, and contain large amounts of antioxidants.
These carrots are also rich in fiber, vitamin K1, and potassium. Additionally, their high fiber content helps promote digestive and cardiovascular health and weight loss.
Ways to Enjoy
Because these carrots are crisp and sweet, they are perfect for enjoying raw or cooked.
Roasted Royal Chantenay Carrots
For the perfect sweet and nutritious side dish, try making Sweet Roasted Chantenay Carrots. All you need are some Royal Chantenay carrots, olive oil, your liquid sweetener of choice (maple syrup or honey), butter, and parsley.
Simply tossed and baked, enjoying a healthy dish has never been so simple and delicious.
Buttered and Glazed
For a buttery sweet addition to a special dinner or roast, try making these Buttered Chantenay carrots.
Simply boil and simmer your Royal Chantenay carrots with vegetable stock powder, sugar, and butter. You’ll be left with a thick and sweet glaze over the tender baby carrots that are so good you won’t get enough.
As the Perfect Snack Platter Addition
Chantenay carrots are also perfect for your favorite snack or dip platter. They don’t need to be peeled or topped, making them a great choice for when you’re in a hurry.
Simply rinse and pair these carrots with a side of homemade hummus, ranch dressing, or even on your charcuterie board and you have a nutrient-rich snack or appetizer that is sure to please.
Buying The Royal Chantenay Carrot
Where to Buy
You can find the Royal Chantenay carrot at almost any grocery store carrying produce. They’re easy to find and relatively cheap.
If you’re looking for a closer-to-home source, make sure to check out your local farmers’ market. These carrots are easy to grow at home, making them often readily available for your farm-to-table enjoyment.
When to Buy
These carrots are available throughout most seasons. They can be harvested in midsummer and fall depending on where they’re grown.
In hotter climates, however, they’re often grown in the winter, as the cold weather helps produce more tender roots.
Growing Your Own
Because of their size and ability to withstand a variety of climates, Royal Chantenay carrots are a great choice for both beginner and experienced home growers.
They have a quick maturity and can be planted throughout various times of the year for separate harvests, creating a great yield.
Soil
Carrots grow best in moderately fertile soil that is sandy and well-draining. This variety works exceptionally well in both heavy and shallow soils. They can also be started in indoor pots.
Make sure to keep the soil moist until the seeds begin to germinate. After this, you can water it about one inch per week. The soil should be evenly moist but never saturated.
Sunlight
Royal Chantenay carrots should be able to receive six to eight hours of full sunlight per day.
Care Tips
The Royal Chantenay carrots should be transplanted outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked, and the seeds should be a quarter of an inch deep and one-half inch apart.
Make sure your rows are also spaced one to two feet apart.
There is no need to worry if you don’t have outdoor garden space! Royal Chantenay carrots can also be grown in window boxes or shallow planters that are nine to ten inches deep.
Harvesting
Harvest your Royal Chantenay carrots for the sweetest flavor when they’re just under seven inches long. Harvesting carrots is a consistent process across all varieties, so if you’ve ever grown your own carrots before, this should be no different!
The Chantenay variety is one of the best for storing at cool temperatures. Place them in a cellar or refrigerator so you can enjoy a homegrown healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants at any time!
Buying Seeds
To get started on your growing your carrots, we recommend buying your seeds from Hoss Tools. Both of these sellers provide affordable and high-quality packs of Royal Chantenay carrot seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve grown carrots before, but never this variety. Are there differences in care?
Nope! Growing Royal Chantenay carrots can be done the same way you would grow normal carrots, but this variety makes it even easier! Their small size and adaptability make them low-maintenance and simple to grow inside or outside.
Where did these small carrots come from?
Much like its name suggests, the Royal Chantenay carrots originate from the Chantenay region of France and were originally used for medicine.
Now, they’re now grown all over the world, making them widely accessible.
How can I store these carrots long-term after harvesting?
After an abundant harvest, you can prolong your vegetables by freezing them! Freezer storing your carrots is a great way to preserve freshness and ensure you get the most out of your crop.
The Fun-Sized Vegetable
Great things often come in small packages, and the Royal Chantenay carrot is a prime example of this.
Sweet in taste, rich in health benefits, and easy to grow and store at home, this carrot variety is not to be overlooked.
Visit our Carrots page for more tips and information on all things growing and enjoying the wide range of carrot varieties.