Product Information – NZ Carrot
Carrots are a taproot, a type of root which grows downwards into the soil and swells. Carrots come in many sizes and shapes: round, cylindrical, fat, very small, long or thin. Balle Bros, who supply approximately 10% of the NZ domestic market, grow Nairobi – a sub-variety of the larger category Nantes. Essentially renowned for its versatility, Nairobi is used for both our spring and winter sowing. Strong and cylindrical in shape and perfect orange in colour, Nairobi is perfect for eating raw through to cooking and processing.
Nutritional Facts
- Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants, carotenoids and constitute a very rich source of pro-vitamin A carotenes.
- Beta-carotene helps to protect vision, especially night vision.
- Is an anti-oxidant that has powerful healing virtues for many diseases, antioxidant compounds help protect against cardiovascular disease.
- Carotenoids may be beneficial to blood sugar regulation.
Growing Regions
The carrot industry in New Zealand comprises approximately 100 growers (average size 14ha) who produced an estimated 65,000mt of carrots from 1,450ha of plantings in 2007.
Pukekohe
Pukekohe prides itself with perfect conditions for Spring carrots – Planted during the colder months,
Pukekohe carrots are ready for harvesting in October. This ensures the availability of fresh New Zealand produce to your customers right throughout the warmer months.
Ohakune
From it’s modest beginnings Ohakune has become the prominent region for carrot growing.
Our Carrots are planted for harvesting from March until late October.
The Ohakune region endows carrot production with a unique “mini-fridge” system.
The cold weather prevents the carrots from losing moisture while harvesting. This in turn,
makes the carrots sweeter, smoother and fresher.
Seasonality Chart
| Pukekohe |
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J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
| Ohakune |
|
Carrot(Nairobi) |
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|
|
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Customer Tips – How to select and store
Selection
Carrots should be firm, smooth, relatively straight and bright in colour.
The deeper the colour, the more beta-carotene is present in the carrot.
Storage
Carrots are hardy vegetables that can be stored up to 12 days when stored properly.
The trick is in preserving the carrot is in minimizing the amount of moisture they lose. Do this by storing them in the coolest part of the refrigerator wrapped in a paper towel which reduces the amount of condensation that is able to form.
Chopped or cut carrots can be stored in water in the refrigerator to maintain quality.
Customer Tips – Eating Ideas
Summer snacking
Spring carrots make for the perfect healthy snack when eaten with a homemade hummus.
Winter vegetables for growing children
What better way to sweeten up a hearty spaghetti bolognaise than grating up carrot to add to the meat sauce.
Refreshing drinks
Summer or winter, nothing revitalises better than a carrot juice. Mix with apple in summer or spice up with a touch.
