We often hear from fellow growers that carrots can be difficult to grow. However, we think everyone would agree, they’re worth it. At Farmer’s Markets and local produce stores, consumers expect to see carrots as a staple item among crop offerings. In this blog, we will cover some basic information about carrots, such as 1) why grow them, 2) how to provide a diverse selection to your customers, and lastly, 3) how to market them.
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WHY GROW CARROTS?
At Johnny’s, we offer a number of different types of carrots, from Nantes to Imperators. Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages to each type of carrot. We’ll also cover the key defining characteristics of each type.
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CARROT MARKETING TIPS
for closer spacing.
Leave a comment under this Blog and let us know what carrots you offer your customers, and which variety is your favorite!
WHY GROW CARROTS?
You may be wondering, if carrots can be problematic to grow, what is it that makes them worth the extra care they require?
Carrotsare a household favorite for most families and are one of the most common vegetables found at Farmer’s Markets.
Carrotsare a household favorite for most families and are one of the most common vegetables found at Farmer’s Markets.
1. By growing them locally, you’re able to offer your customers carrots that are diverse in flavor and color; attributes not typically found in carrots at large grocery stores.
2. Bright orange roots are a great contrast in color for your market offering, especially when placed next to fresh green products such as lettuce, spinach, or kale. Carrotcolors can range from white to yellow, red to purple, and of course orange.
3. When grown correctly, a farmer’s market carrot will taste much better than a store-bought carrot. At Johnny’s we trial many new varieties each year and flavor is one of the most important criteria we evaluate. Each year there are many varieties that are rejected due to poor flavor. What we have selected for our carrot line are the best performing, and best tasting varieties available.
4. Depending on your locale, small-scale farmers can entice customers with carrots ranging from mini Nantes to small, round Parisian Market types. Baby vegetables are in high demand right now.
5. Carrotsdisplay extremely well at farm stands. There is something about a bunch of smooth orange roots, and fresh green tops that looks very tempting to customers.
DIVERSITY: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CARROT FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS
At Johnny’s, we offer a number of different types of carrots, from Nantes to Imperators. Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages to each type of carrot. We’ll also cover the key defining characteristics of each type.
1. Nantes: these carrots have cigar-shaped roots with blunt tips. Some varieties are more pointed and not as blunt-tipped as others. There are varieties galore within the Nante group, ranging in length and width. Some Nantes have slender, pencil-thick roots, while others have mini roots (3-4”) or large roots (7-8”), and all sizes in between. Nantes is very popular in Europe, as well as around the world.
2. Chantenay: these carrots have wedge-shaped, tapered roots and are broad shouldered. They also typically have pointed to slightly-rounded tips. Chantenay types tend to have very strong tops and can typically perform well in heavy soils due to their shape. They’re popular in Europe, Asia, and South America.
3. Kuroda: Kuroda carrots are similar in shape to the Chantenays; however, they typically have more bulk or weight, and are more rounded at the tip of the root. These are commonly grown in Asia.
4. Imperator: Imperator carrots have long slender roots that often reach lengths of 10” or more. These perform best in deep, light soils so that the roots can grow straight and long without small obstructions distorting the shape. Imperators are very popular in the U.S. in the industrial segment. This is also the type of carrot commonly sold as a “baby” carrot by slicing and shaving down to a baby size.
CARROT MARKETING TIPS
There are many opportunities to market your carrot offerings to set yourself apart from other growers. One way to do this is to offer your customers a selection of baby carrots, as these crops are in high demand right now. Another marketing approach is to expand your offering of coloredcarrots.
True baby carrots differ from carrots that are harvested prematurely since true baby types are harvested at full maturity. They also differ from the store bought “baby” carrots, which are actually full-sized carrots that have been sliced into smaller lengths and then shaved to achieve the desired size and shape.
Some major advantages to offering true baby carrots are:
· Because they’re grown to full maturity, their flavor will be fully developed. · They can be sold as bunches or with partial tops which helps prevent the roots from drying out. Also, if you market baby carrots with their tops attached, consumers can easily distinguish them from the packaged “baby” carrots.
· Baby carrots have a range of market audiences. They appeal to children who eat them as value-added snacks, parents who purchase bunches for nutritious meals at home, and chefs for a variety of restaurant entrees.
Johnny’s offers 3 baby or mini carrots in 3 different types and shapes:
· Adelaide: a true baby Nantes (3-4”). Adelaide is small, with short tops which allow for closer spacing.
· Atlas: a Parisian Market type; Atlas is a small, golf-ball sized carrot with round roots. Atlas must have adequate soil moisture to maintain its round shape. Dry soil will force the roots to elongate deeper into the soil in search of water.
· Caracas: a baby Chantenay, with approximately 4-4 ½” wedge-shaped roots. This carrot has strong, healthy tops.
When considering ways to set your carrot display apart from your competitors, consider thinking outside of the orange carrot box. Incorporating colored carrots is a great way to add more color to your display. Colored carrots are edible raw (though more palatable when cooked), and with new healthy trends leaning towards not-your-typical vegetable colors, they’re becoming more and more popular.
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| Purple Haze |
Offering purple, white, yellow, and redcarrots is a great way to draw people into your Farmer’s Market stand. Also, chefs are always looking for new ways to interest their customers and colored carrots might be just what they are looking for.
- To learn more about carrot culture, including bed preperation, spacing, wedding and watering, visit Johnnyseeds.com
- To learn about carrot season extension, click here
- Explore Johnny's quick-guide to carrot pests and diseases
Leave a comment under this Blog and let us know what carrots you offer your customers, and which variety is your favorite!