Introduction

Did you know carrots were first grown as medicines, not as food?

Objectives

To learn about the nutritional value of carrots and to learn how to grow a carrot top                        

Materials

• Full size carrots (not baby carrots)
• Knife
• Shallow bowl or pie plate
• Small pebbles or sand
• Water

Procedure

Cut off the top end of the carrot, about one inch (2.5 cm) from the crown. If any green sprouts remain on the carrot, cut them off. Fill the bowl with pebbles. Put the cut end of the carrot into the bowl and fill the bowl with warm water (just enough to cover pebbles). Place the carrot in a sunny window. Be sure to  water regularly.

Conclusion

In three to five days the carrot will sprout. White roots will grow from the side of the carrot. Carrots are root vegetables that are easy to grow. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene which is excellent for eyesight and healthy skin. Carrots are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C and potassium. A medium size carrot counts for one serving of the recommended daily vegetable intake.

*Something Else You Need to Know: The orange part of the carrot is a taproot and will not grow from a carrot top. Instead it is a carrot plant that will grow from carrot tops.