Carrot Smoothie + Benefits

Bugs Bunny,  orange-tinted babies, and Carrot Cake are 3 things that instantly come to mind when I think of carrots.

If you live in the Southern U.S. like I do, they are about to be ready to harvest (April) since they prefer growing mostly in cool'ish temps.

I'm not going to lie and tell you I love these veggies and eat them every day, but I do think they are worth the effort! 

Obviously, they are packed with beta-carotene which supports the eyes. (Did you know, the more orange they are, the more beta-carotene they have?) Here are some additional reasons to try them.

Even if carrots can do one of those things, I'd say this veggie is a winner.

I guess Bugs Bunny knew what he was doing!

*FUN TIP: Have you ever wondered why he was always munching on them? Wild rabbits actually don't even eat carrots. Supposedly, the creators of Bugs Bunny actually were inspired by Clark Gable's character in the film It Happened One Night who in a similarly laid-back fashion ate a carrot while leaning on a fence. 

Bugs wasn't the only one eating carrots in the 1930's. The vegetable was introduced to America in the early 1600's with the settlement of Jamestown, but after World War I the carrot became a staple in American diets since the soldiers regularly ate the vegetable overseas.

Now the vegetable is in everything from soups and stir-frys to cakes! 

What's your favorite way to eat this Springtime veggie?

Besides carrot cake, I prefer shredding them into baked oatmeal or pancakes or slow-cooking them with roast beef and onions.

Just don't ask me to eat more than 3 or 4 raw, ok? I'll try not to gag in front of my kids at least.

Here are some yummy ways to get in this beneficial veggie. Enjoy!

Roasted carrots vinegarette by Pioneer Woman (Is there anything she makes that isn't good?!)

EASY Summer Popsicle: 

Blend carrots and orange juice, freeze in ice molds