Comments on: MISC: Putting carrot tops to work http://tableauvivante.com/2008/03/16/misc-putting-carrot-tops-to-work/ Local food, global mood. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:46:22 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: tableauvivante http://tableauvivante.com/2008/03/16/misc-putting-carrot-tops-to-work/#comment-7 tableauvivante Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:16:20 +0000 http://tableauvivante.wordpress.com/?p=25#comment-7 Jeffje - Never tried them as an herb, but I have tasted them - similar fresh, slightly bitter flavor. Regarding the nutrients issue - I was told by a farmer, who may or may not have been correct, that once harvested the leaves stop the adding process and go into reverse. I did find this reference regarding the moisture-nutrient drawing issues regarding root tops: http://www.pinoynegosyo.blogspot.com/2007/10/carrots-farming.html As it's a blog, I'd regard it with some skepticism. But the rest of the entry sounds pretty spot on. Thanks for reading! Jeffje - Never tried them as an herb, but I have tasted them - similar fresh, slightly bitter flavor. Regarding the nutrients issue - I was told by a farmer, who may or may not have been correct, that once harvested the leaves stop the adding process and go into reverse.

I did find this reference regarding the moisture-nutrient drawing issues regarding root tops: http://www.pinoynegosyo.blogspot.com/2007/10/carrots-farming.html

As it’s a blog, I’d regard it with some skepticism. But the rest of the entry sounds pretty spot on.

Thanks for reading!

]]> By: Jeffje http://tableauvivante.com/2008/03/16/misc-putting-carrot-tops-to-work/#comment-6 Jeffje Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:07:11 +0000 http://tableauvivante.wordpress.com/?p=25#comment-6 well, that bit about tops sucking nutrients is only half true - root vegetables are all biennials; that is, they complete their life cycles in two years. in the first year, the leaves actually send nutrients to the roots, which act as a sort of winter storage (like a squirrel's stash of acorns). this is the point at which we harvest the roots to eat. in the second year, the large root uses its stored nutrients to feed new leaves that replace those that died out during the winter, as well as to provide energy for the plant to produce flowers and seeds - this is when the tops drain the root, leaving it withered and small. i've never tried it, but i do know that carrots and parsley are in the same family - i wonder if you could use the tops as an herb? well, that bit about tops sucking nutrients is only half true - root vegetables are all biennials; that is, they complete their life cycles in two years. in the first year, the leaves actually send nutrients to the roots, which act as a sort of winter storage (like a squirrel’s stash of acorns). this is the point at which we harvest the roots to eat. in the second year, the large root uses its stored nutrients to feed new leaves that replace those that died out during the winter, as well as to provide energy for the plant to produce flowers and seeds - this is when the tops drain the root, leaving it withered and small.

i’ve never tried it, but i do know that carrots and parsley are in the same family - i wonder if you could use the tops as an herb?

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