KÜTTIGER CARROT SEEDS

Daucus carota ssp. sativa

ORGANIC

Old landrace from the early 18th century, long maintained by the Küttigen Landfrauenverein association in Switzerland and eventually reselected for ProSpecieRara, from which we acquired these seeds. The large dense white roots look more like parsnips than our common carrots, with an aromatic flavor and delicate texture. These carrots are among the best storage varieties available and an excellent choice for homesteaders with root cellars.

Originally grown for winter fodder, these plants are hardy and adaptable and fairly tolerant of heavy clay and rocky soils. The shoulders are broad and the roots conical. An ideal selection for new gardeners as these carrots are seemingly impervious to adversity and neglect.

Sow these seeds directly into the garden in late spring. Thin ruthlessly and take care to mulch in the hottest summer regions. The carrots can be harvested sparingly beginning in around 80 days but will hold in the ground through autumn, which is when they should be pulled for storage. Both flavor and texture improve the longer they are allowed to mature in the garden. Very sweet indeed when pulled in October in the Northeast!

In Switzerland today these carrots seems to be marketed for consumption mainly raw or pickled, but we love them cut up and roasted. Like parsley root they are an inconspicuous and flavorful addition to cream or potato based soups, where common orange carrots would mar the presentation. William Woys Weaver discussed the Küttiger Carrot in his ‘100 Vegetables’ compendium, referencing Dora Shärer’s ‘Aargauer Rezepte’, which features recipes for carrot cake and even cheesecake utilizing these delectable roots!

Highly recommended for growers that have had difficulty cultivating carrots. Not only is the Küttiger carrot historic and rare, it is just a really great and reliable selection for gardeners.

Packet contains around 500 seeds.