Are Carrot Leaves Edible? Can you enjoy them as greens? Are they good for health and digestion? Time to find out all the details!
We all love carrots and absolutely love to enjoy them in our salads. But what about their greens? Are Carrot Leaves Edible? Can you also eat them as veggie or do they pair well with other vegetables? Let’s find out!
Check out our article on best companion plants for carrots here
Are Carrot Leaves Edible
The good news is, you can not only enjoy the crunchy orange carrots but also their green leaves too! The leaves are rich in potassium, Vitamin C, calcium, and phytonutrients, aiding in digestion and weight control.
Health Benefits of Carrot Leaves
- If you thought only carrots are rich in Vitamin C, then you might be wrong! The leaves have 6 times more Vitamin C than the roots.
- The high amount of Potassium in the leaves gives them a slightly bitter taste but helps in lowering blood pressure, promoting healthy metabolism, and osteoporosis.
- As the leaves have chlorophyll, they have a high magnesium content, which makes them beneficial for strong bones and muscles.
How to Grow Carrots at Home
- Carrot is a cool-weather crop, so sow seeds 2-3 weeks before the last frost date in your area and continue doing this throughout the growing season.
- It does well in a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and as wide as possible.
- The plant does well in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Most of the varieties are ready for harvest in 60-75 days
We have a great article on growing carrots at home here
Best Ways to Eat Carrot Leaves
- You can make a delicious carrot-top pesto with the leaves. It tastes great with salads, soups, and on a toast.
- Add fresh leaves to the green salad.
- Include them in hummus recipe for a distinctive taste.
- The leaves also pair really well with other herbs, especially in an herbed green salad.
- You can also use them as a garnish for cocktails.
- Last but not the least, don’t forget to include the leaves in smoothies!
