Carrots have long been a favorite snack for kids of all ages! But did you know there’s a variety that is sweeter than most, with a beautiful orange-red coloring and smooth skin?
If you’re unfamiliar with the Scarlet Nantes carrot, read on! You’ll learn how to add this delicious variety of carrots to your diet and how you can grow them in your garden.
Are you looking to purchase Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds? Check availability!
Characteristics of the Scarlet Nantes Carrot
The Scarlet Nantes carrot is identified by its beautiful bright orange-red flesh. It is considered a fine grain compared to other carrots, but it has almost no core. The shape is cylindrical with a slight tapering to the base. The root usually has blunt tips and smaller tops compared to other varieties of carrots.
This variety is right for you if you’re looking for an extra sweet carrot! It has a crispy flavor and is known for being juicy. This variety is crunchy and tender, making it a family favorite!
When comparing the Nantes variety of carrots, the Scarlet Nantes carrot is slightly sweeter than the Early Nantes or the Nantes Half Long carrots.
Background of the Scarlet Nantes Carrot
The Scarlet Nantes carrot originated in France around the mid-19th century. It is considered the French heirloom variety.
It was bred by Henry de Vilmorin, a famous French botanist, in the 1850s. The Vilmorin company was founded in 1743 by the chief seed supplier and botanist to King Louis XV. Today, it is the 4th largest seed company in the world.
In 1885 Henry de Vilmorin characterized the variety as smooth with near-red flesh. He went on to describe it as both sweet and having a “milk flavor.”
This variety of carrots was Introduced to the U.S. in 1870. It is named after the city of Nantes, which is the largest city in Brittany, France.
Adding the Scarlet Nantes Carrot to Your Diet
As with any carrot, the Scarlet Nantes carrot makes a great snack! Its high sugar content makes it especially sweet and a favorite among kids.
And they’re quick for a family on the go! This carrot doesn’t require peeling. Just be sure to give it a good scrub before tossing it in your bag for a snack later in the day.
This yummy variety of carrots is also good for salads or for your favorite stew or soup!
Looking for something different? These carrots are also an exceptional choice for juicing. Try our Carrot Juice for Better Health recipe!
Don’t forget their versatility within desserts! The Scarlet Nantes carrot is a perfect choice for adding to your dessert menu due to its extra-sweet flavor. And with their juiciness, they’ll go great in your next carrot cake. For a fool-proof dessert, try our Carrot Cake recipe!
Health Benefits of the Scarlet Nantes Carrot
As with all varieties of carrots, there are several health benefits of the Scarlet Nantes carrot you won’t want to miss.
First and foremost, they’re an excellent source of vitamin A. Just one serving will help you meet 210% of the suggested daily intake needed! This vitamin is known to help prevent vision loss and repair damaged tissues deep within the skin.
It is also high in vitamin C, which can help to protect the body from sickness.
Additional health benefits are that it’s high in fiber, assisting with digestion and relieving constipation. And it contains vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, folate, and potassium.
Grow the Scarlet Nantes Carrot in Your Garden!
Growing the Scarlet Nantes carrot in your garden can be tricky. But with a little love and patience, this yummy variety of carrots will be growing in your garden in no time!
Begin by removing rocks and stones from the soil to help your carrots grow straight. If the soil is too rocky, consider using a raised bed to plant. Because these are a shorter variety of carrots, they are also ideal for container growing. Be sure the container is 10” deep to be safe.
Sandy or well-draining loamy soil is the best for growing carrots. For the sweetest flesh, aim for soil that is 6.0-6.8 in acidity.
Sow your seeds outdoors 3-4 weeks after the last frost. Beginning them indoors is not recommended, as carrots don’t like being transplanted from one location to another.
Plant the seeds ¼” deep, keeping the rows 16-24” apart. As they grow, thin the plants, so they are 2-4” apart. Plant them in a spot where they will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
It usually takes 10-21 days for germination. Keep the soil moist throughout the germination period. Consider using a floating row cover as they germinate to keep insects from laying eggs at the base of the plants.
Water generously until germinated, then aim for about 1” of water per week until ready to harvest. The plant will reach a height of 8-12”, with the root at about 6-7” in length. These carrots mature in approximately 65-75 days.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil surrounding the carrot with a trowel or fork. Then pull them out by their tops.
These are a great baby carrot variety since they can be harvested before full maturity and will still be sweet.
Remove the tops immediately by twisting them off or cutting them 1 inch from the root. This will ensure they don’t go limp too quickly. Brush the loose dirt off and store it in a plastic baggie in your refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
The Scarlet Nantes carrot tolerates a light frost but doesn’t like extremely cold temperatures. They grow best when temperatures remain between 55-75 degrees. For this reason, this variety makes for a great spring or fall crop.
Where Can I Find Scarlet Nantes Carrot Seeds
If you want some Scarlet Nantes Carrots growing in your home garden, you can buy seeds at Hoss Tools.
FAQs
Can this variety of carrots be used medicinally?
The Scarlet Nantes carrot has been used to treat intestinal parasites and digestive problems and to relieve flatulence.
How long does this variety of carrot store?
These hold longer than other varieties without becoming fibrous. Remove the green tops before storing them to keep them from going limp. They can be stored, washed, or unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
Are You Ready to Try the Scarlet Nantes Carrot?
That’s all you need to know about the Scarlet Nantes carrot! Are you ready to try growing your own?
Not sure where to begin? Learn more about the Carrot Plant on our carrot page!