As part of British Carrot Day 2025 on October 3rd, the organisers will make the case that carrots make for a more versatile vegetable than simply being boiled and buttered.
To help, they have been joined by leading nutritionist Dr Laura Wyness who heard about the event through a colleague. “Going back to the basics of nutrition, it’s so important to eat a rainbow – to get as many colours as possible on the plate – and this is where carrots come into their own.
“Carrots are one of our nation’s most versatile yet underappreciated foods.”
The stand-out nutrient in carrots is beta-carotene, which gives them their bright colour, she explains. “Our bodies convert beta-carotene into retinol, which is the active form of Vitamin A that helps support vision, skin health and our immune system.
“Carrots also provide beneficial fibre; something 96 per cent of adults in the UK don’t eat enough of according to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). With a medium-sized carrot containing 2g of fibre they can really help push people up to the 30g recommended daily amount.
Eighth-generation carrot grower Rodger Hobson, who farms near York, is chairman of the association. “If Carrot Day can persuade people to buy the odd extra bag of carrots – maybe trying some of the recipes that people like Laura have kindly put together to support us – then all the effort will have been worthwhile.
“Shoppers are always complaining about the food miles involved in our shelves being full of fruit and vegetables from far-flung countries. Our message is that if they want to secure British-grown produce for themselves, their children and their grandchildren it’s important they start supporting it now.”
For more information or to get involved, visit: www.britishcarrots.co.uk
