These gorgeous, vibrant carrots are a rich source of anthocyanins and lycopene, which are both antioxidants that give the root its purple-red, pigmented hue. Anthocyanins have been shown to help boost the immune system, while lycopene is believed to improve heart health and is anti-inflammatory. These carrots are sweet, and subtly spicy, so perhaps it’s time to whip up your signature carrot cake; or try your hand at Gajar Ka Halwa, an Indian carrot pudding. They would also be lovely simply roasted with a bit of olive oil and thyme or however you prefer to prepare your carrots--just make sure to use oil or fat when cooking them as lycopene and lutein are fat soluble nutrients!
Barre, VT
Tamarack Hollow Farm, located in Plainfield, Vermont, specializes in growing organic vegetables on fertile upland soils. The farm focuses on varieties that thrive in Vermont’s cooler growing season, with an emphasis on root crops and leafy greens. Amanda, the owner, carefully selects varieties based on their shape, texture, color, and flavor, aiming to grow the most flavorful produce possible. The farm uses moderate irrigation to enhance flavor and harvests everything by hand, ensuring that only the best vegetables are chosen and handled with care. While Tamarack Hollow Farm avoids preventative sprays like fungicides and pesticides, organic sprays are occasionally used to protect major crops from complete loss.
Fertility on the farm is managed through the use of cover crops, which help build organic matter, feed soil bacteria, and provide nitrogen, along with selective soil amendments to enrich the soil with essential nutrients. All of the farm's vegetables are certified organic by Vermont Organic Farmers under USDA guidelines, as well as certified by Vermont's Real Organic Project. Additionally, the farm is food safety certified through the CAPS program, administered by the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and the University of Vermont.