Heirloom Carrots

[NahantNative]

Now that the farmers markets are closed I am lost in finding some nice heirloom rainbow carrots for a holiday meal this weekend. Are there any places around the city that would still carry these?

[greenzebra]

Dave's Fresh Pasta in Davis Square has them this week, according to their weekly email newsletter.

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Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144

[Dea]

I saw them at Verril Farms but that was back in mid-October, so I'd call first before making a trip.

[andieb]

I'm going to second Russo's. Pretty sure I saw them last week.

[Allstonian]

Yep, I think Russo's is your best bet. They don't put them out in the semi-outdoors section with the other carrots - I think they're usually inside way back in that room where they have broccoli , cauliflower, and greens, or if not there look along the wall in the main room there where they have radishes, chard, etc. .

[bear]

They were with the chard and radishes in the main room last time I bought them.

[NahantNative]

Well that was odd, The person I just spoke to from Russo's just told me she's never heard of heirloom carrots.

[StriperGuy]

You just want carrots with the greens on them... which are not necessarily heirloom.

[StriperGuy]

Whoops I completely missed the rainbow piece...

[Allstonian]

Huh. Maybe they're not sold as "heirloom", but I've certainly seen bunches of mixed-color carrots at Russo's. They do also sell regular carrots with the greens still on, as Striper Guy mentions.

[bear]

They might be called "rainbow carrorts", but I'm not sure. I've definitely bought them at Russo's. They are beautiful.

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/06/20/...

[Bob Dobalina]

Agree that Russo's does not call them heirloom. I think they may just call them "yellow" carrots or "purple" carrots. ;)

[PinchOfSalt]

Russo's does sell carrots in bunches with assorted colors (orange, yellow, purple). The actual variety or varieties may be modern, which could explain the confusion.

[StriperGuy]

I love heirloom veg, but carrots. Tomatoes, squash, cukes are worth it, but IMHO carrots are just not worth the fuss.

[NahantNative]

I tend to agree, but I really like the look of the heirloom carrots

[okra]

Don't underestimate the old adage of "Eating first with the eyes". Heirloom carrots make a dramatic presentation.
As for the taste, depends how they're cooked. The best tasting carrots I've had were homegrown, multi-colored - and roasted....

Your mileage may vary... :)

[NahantNative]

That's the plan, halfed and roasted atop braised short ribs. Now all I have to do is find them.

[bear]

I've bought them at Russo's in the past, but I'd call first.