Carrot Facts for Kids

What am I?

I'm the second most popular vegetable in the world, after potatoes. I have been used for 1,000 years! I was first used as medicine. About 700 years ago, I was farmed and eaten for food.

​I am most often orange, but I come in a variety of colors like purple, white, yellow, and red. 

Where I grow

I'm a root vegetable and I grow under the ground. I grow where the temperature is cool to warm, such as China, Uzbekistan, Russia, United States. As I grow, sometimes I push out of the ground! The sun makes my top green and changes my flavor. Farmers make sure I'm completely covered with soil (dirt) to prevent this. 

Above the ground I grow green leaves. These can be eaten too! If I'm not picked, my stalks will grow flowers and seeds to grow more the next year.

After I'm picked

After I'm picked, I should be kept cool in the refrigerator or freezer. I can be eaten both fresh and cooked. I am used in many dishes, including salads, soups, and even cakes. I can also be made into juice. However you dice me, I'm a great source of carotene, which your body needs to make Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for your eyes and more. 

Did you guess... Carrot

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Do you like carrots? What color of carrot is your favorite?

Watch the video to learn more about carrots!