Getting Saucy with Carrot Tops
Shopping at my local farmer’s market this summer has become one of my greatest joys. The vibrant stalls are filled with fresh, locally grown produce, and there’s a unique sense of connection to the land and community when I load up on seasonal goodies. The highlight of my visits? The rainbow-colored bundles of carrots I’ve been stocking up on lately. With their shades of orange, purple, and yellow, they’re a feast for the eyes, and each bunch comes crowned with a lush bouquet of green carrot tops.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with the tops—those leafy greens seemed destined for the compost. But the more I thought about it, the more it felt wrong to waste them, especially after learning they were just as nutritious as beet greens or other leafy vegetables. So, I began experimenting with ways to incorporate them into my meals, and now I’m hooked! If you’ve ever wondered about these unsung heroes of the vegetable world, here’s why you should think twice before tossing those carrot tops.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Carrot tops are not only edible, but they’re also incredibly good for you. Packed with vitamins and minerals, they make an excellent addition to a well-rounded diet. These greens contain vitamins A, C, and K, as well as chlorophyll, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and fiber.
According to functional medicine doctor Elizabeth Boham, M.D., M.S., R.D., these nutrients offer a range of health benefits.
"Vitamin C is great for your immune system, chlorophyll helps support the detoxification process, and fiber is great for balancing blood sugar and feeding the good bacteria in your intestines."
So, by incorporating carrot tops into your meals, you’re getting a variety of nutrients that support immune health, digestion, and detoxification.
Another bonus? Carrot tops are an excellent source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress. This can be particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.
How to Prepare Carrot Tops
Like any greens that come directly from the ground, carrot tops tend to be a little dirty, so proper washing is key. Thankfully, it’s an easy process that ensures you’re left with clean, vibrant greens to cook with. Here’s my go-to method for cleaning carrot tops:
Place the carrot greens in a large bowl or roasting pan so they can spread out.
Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of baking soda over the tops.
Cover them with cold water and gently agitate the greens to help dislodge dirt and debris.
Drain, rinse, and repeat the process if needed.
Transfer the clean greens to a tea towel or strainer to dry.
Once they’re clean, you’re ready to cook with them!
Cooking with Carrot Tops
Now, let’s talk about the flavor of carrot tops. While they have a slightly bitter taste, that’s part of their charm, adding complexity to dishes like sauces and salads. If the bitterness isn’t your thing, there’s an easy way to tone it down: blanching.
Blanching is a simple technique that softens the greens and removes some of the bitterness:
Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil.
Drop in the carrot tops and stir gently until they soften and turn a brighter shade of green.
Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
From here, you can use the blanched greens in your favorite recipes.
Delicious Carrot Top Recipes
Wondering how to make the most of carrot tops? Here are three delicious ways to enjoy them:
Carrot Top Chimichurri – A fresh take on a classic sauce, this chimichurri is perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, veggies, or as a dip. The carrot greens add a zesty, slightly bitter note that pairs beautifully with garlic, vinegar, and herbs.
Carrot Top Pesto – If you love basil pesto, you’ll love this variation. Carrot tops combined with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese create a deliciously nutty, herbal sauce. It’s great for pasta, sandwiches, or as a topping for roasted veggies.
Carrot Top Avocado Crema – Blend carrot tops with avocado, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, tangy sauce that’s perfect as a topping for tacos, bowls, or grilled veggies. The slight bitterness of the greens balances the richness of the avocado.
Final Thoughts
Next time you buy a bunch of carrots, don’t toss the tops! With a little preparation, carrot greens can add nutrition and flavor to your meals in unexpected ways. Whether you’re blending them into sauces or sprinkling them over salads, they’re a simple way to boost your nutrient intake and reduce food waste.
So, embrace the whole carrot and enjoy the delicious, nutritious possibilities that come with using carrot tops!
