Maturity & Quality
Maturity Indices
In practice, harvest decisions for carrots are based on several criteria depending on the market outlet or sales endpoint
Typically carrots are harvested at an immature state when the roots have achieved sufficient size to fill in the tip and develop a uniform taper
Length may be used as a maturity index for harvest timing of ‘cut and peel' carrots to achieve a desired processing efficiency
Quality Indices
There are many visual and organoleptic properties that differentiate the diverse varieties of carrots for fresh market and minimal processing. In general, carrots should be:
Firm (not flacid or limp)
Straight with a uniform taper from ‘shoulder' to ‘tip'
Bright orange
There should be little residual "hairiness" from lateral roots
No "green shoulders" or "green core" from exposure to sunlight during the growth phase
Low bitterness from terpenoid compounds
High moisture content and high reducing sugars are most desireable for fresh consumption
U.S. Grades:
Bunched Carrots - No. 1 and Commercial Grade
Topped Carrots - Extra No. 1, U.S. No. 1, No. 1 Jumbo, No. 2
Quality Defects include lack of firmness, non-uniform shape, roughness, poor color, splitting or cracking, green core, sunburn, and poor quality of tops or trimming.