Carrots are a popular and nutritious vegetable that can be incorporated into a healthy diet. Many people enjoy the sweet, earthy flavor of carrots and their versatile culinary uses. When shopping for carrots, you may come across an interesting variety called Carrot BDO. So what exactly is Carrot BDO and where can you buy it?
What is Carrot BDO?
Carrot BDO is a branded variety of carrot that is notable for its very large size compared to regular carrots. BDO stands for Big Daily Offer. This name refers to the carrots being significantly larger than average.
Carrot BDO carrots are a bright orange color and have a sweet, juicy taste. They are crunchy with a smooth texture. The large carrots can grow up to one foot long and several inches in diameter. Due to their substantial size, Carrot BDO carrots are often sold individually rather than in typical bunches.
The Carrot BDO variety was developed through natural breeding methods to produce extra large carrots. They are not genetically modified. The carrots are grown by farmers and marketed under the Carrot BDO brand name. This premium house brand belongs to a large grocery store chain called Jumbo.
Nutrition of Carrot BDO
Carrot BDO carrots have an excellent nutritional profile that is comparable to regular carrots.
Some of the key nutrients found in Carrot BDO carrots include:
- Vitamin A – One large carrot provides over 600% of the daily value for vitamin A, which supports healthy eyes and immune function.
- Vitamin C – A good source of immune-boosting vitamin C. One carrot has 10% DV.
- Vitamin K – Needed for proper blood clotting. Carrot BDO carrots provide over 10% DV.
- Potassium – An electrolyte mineral that regulates fluid balance. Carrot BDO carrots contain 12% DV.
- Fiber – One large carrot has over 5 grams of fiber, supporting digestive and heart health.
- Antioxidants – Orange carrots are high in beta-carotene antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
Carrot BDO carrots make an exceptionally healthy addition to your diet. Their substantial size means that one carrot contributes a greater amount of nutrients compared to smaller varieties.
Where to Buy Carrot BDO
Carrot BDO branded carrots can be purchased at Jumbo supermarkets in the Netherlands. Jumbo is a popular grocery store chain in the Netherlands and Belgium. The carrots are grown by farmers in the Netherlands.
Jumbo sells Carrot BDO carrots individually at their produce section. You can find these extra large carrots at most Jumbo locations across the Netherlands. They are generally available year-round, though the peak season is from July through November.
The Carrot BDO carrots are typically priced around €1-2 per carrot. This cost is more expensive than regular bunches of carrots due to their substantially larger size and branding as a premium product. Many customers feel the impressive size and sweet taste provide good value.
In addition to finding Carrot BDO carrots at brick-and-mortar Jumbo supermarkets, you can also purchase them online. Jumbo offers grocery delivery and pickup services through their website and app. This provides a convenient way to add Carrot BDO carrots to your online order.
Some grocery delivery services like Picnic and Crisp also offer Carrot BDO carrots for home delivery in certain regions of the Netherlands. This can expand the availability of Carrot BDO carrots to more customers.
How to Select and Store Carrot BDO
When selecting Carrot BDO carrots freshness is key. Look for carrots that have rigid, sturdy stems and smooth, bright orange color. Avoid any carrots that are limp, wilted, or have green tones.
Examine carrots for any major blemishes, cracks, or damage. Minor scratches are okay. Opt for carrots that feel heavy for their size with a nice tapered end.
Carrot BDO carrots should be stored properly to preserve freshness. You can keep them in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 1-2 weeks. Make sure the carrots are dry before storing. You can trim the stems if desired.
For longer storage, Carrot BDO carrots also freeze well. Simply wash, peel, and slice the carrots before freezing in airtight bags or containers. They will keep for 8-10 months in the freezer.
Uses for Carrot BDO
The large size of Carrot BDO carrots makes them extremely versatile for cooking. Here are some of the top ways to enjoy Carrot BDO carrots:
- Roasting – Carrot BDOs are perfect for roasting in the oven. Slice them into sticks or wedges, toss in oil and spices, and roast at 400°F until tender.
- Soups – Add chopped Carrot BDO carrots to soups like chicken noodle, potato, tomato, and more. They will add natural sweetness.
- Salads – Thinly slice Carrot BDO carrots to add some crunch to main dish or side salads.
- Juicing – Carrot BDOs make a nutrient-dense addition to fresh vegetable juices.
- Snacking – Enjoy Carrot BDO carrots raw with dip or hummus for a healthy snack.
- Baking – Grate Carrot BDO carrots into muffins, cakes, breads, and other baked goods.
The large size of the carrots allows you to incorporate them into recipes in endless ways. They can be used as a side dish or main ingredient in both savory and sweet preparations.
Carrot BDO Products
In addition to whole fresh Carrot BDO carrots, you can also find some value-added products made with them:
Carrot BDO Fries
Jumbo sells packs of Carrot BDO Fries in the refrigerated section. These are Carrot BDO carrots that have been peeled, cut into fry shapes, and packaged to cook in the oven or air fryer. The carrot fries make a fun, kid-friendly alternative to regular french fries.
Carrot BDO Smoothie Cubes
These are cubes of pureed Carrot BDO carrots sold in freezer bags. Add the cubes to smoothies for a boost of nutrients and natural sweetness.
Carrot BDO Juice
You can buy bottled Carrot BDO juice made from the carrots. This provides a convenient way to enjoy their flavor and nutrition.
Purchasing value-added products made with Carrot BDO carrots can save prep time while still providing their great taste and quality.
Nutritional Benefits of Carrot BDO
There are many excellent nutritional benefits associated with Carrot BDO carrots:
Excellent Source of Vitamin A
Carrot BDO carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which is converted to active vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A supports eye health, bone growth, reproduction, immunity and more. The large size of Carrot BDO carrots significantly contributes to meeting vitamin A needs.
Powerful Antioxidant Effects
The beta-carotene and other antioxidants in Carrot BDO carrots can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This provides protection against chronic diseases and aging.
May Promote Heart Health
The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in Carrot BDO carrots support cardiovascular health. Carrots may help reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels as part of a healthy diet pattern.
Benefits Eye Health
Carrots are renowned for their role in supporting good vision. The high levels of pro-vitamin A carotenoids may help prevent macular degeneration and slow age-related vision decline.
Boosts Immunity
Carrot BDO carrots provide immune-enhancing vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants. This can help strengthen the body’s natural defenses against illness and infection.
Risks and Precautions with Carrot BDO
Carrot BDO carrots are very safe for most people to consume. However, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of:
– Choking hazard – Due to the large size of Carrot BDO carrots, they present a choking risk for young children if not cut into small pieces.
– Allergies – Carrots contain proteins that can trigger allergenic reactions in sensitive individuals, usually manifesting as oral allergy syndrome with itching or swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat.
– Pesticides – Non-organic Carrot BDO carrots may have pesticide residues if not washed properly. Opt for organic when possible or thoroughly scrub carrots to reduce this risk.
– Glycemic impact – Carrots have a high glycemic index, meaning consuming large amounts can spike blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should be mindful of portion sizes.
– Drug interactions – High doses of carotenoids like beta-carotene could potentially interact with some medications like statins and blood thinners. Speak to your doctor about any interactions.
When enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, Carrot BDO carrots are a safe, healthy food choice for most people. Those with allergies or medication interactions should exercise caution.
Carrot BDO Recipes
Here are some delicious recipe ideas that showcase Carrot BDO carrots:
Maple Roasted Carrot BDOs
Ingredients:
– 3 Carrot BDO carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Pinch of cayenne pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, toss carrot slices with oil, maple syrup, and spices.
3. Arrange carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20 minutes, flip carrots, then roast 20 more minutes until tender.
5. Serve as a side or enjoy as a healthy snack.
Carrot BDO Soup
Ingredients:
– 2 large Carrot BDO carrots, chopped
– 1 white onion, diced
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a pot, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and thyme, cook 1 minute more.
2. Add chopped Carrot BDO carrots and broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until carrots are very tender.
4. Carefully transfer soup to blender. Puree until smooth.
5. Return to pot and season with salt and pepper.
Carrot BDO Juice
Ingredients:
– 3 large Carrot BDO carrots, trimmed
– 2 oranges, peeled
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger
– 1/2 lemon, juiced
Directions:
1. Wash all produce well.
2. Cut carrots and oranges into pieces that fit through juicer chute.
3. Juice all ingredients in a juicer. Stir to combine.
4. Pour into glasses over ice and enjoy.
Where to Buy Carrot BDO in Other Countries
Currently, Carrot BDO carrots are only sold in Jumbo supermarkets in the Netherlands and Belgium. They are not widely available in other countries yet.
However, similar extra large carrot varieties may be found in local supermarkets globally. Many large grocery stores carry speciality produce like giant carrots, though they may not be branded specifically as Carrot BDO.
Some varieties to look for include:
– Atomic Red: A maroon-colored extra large carrot found in Australia.
– Great White: A very large white carrot sold in some UK supermarkets.
– Juwarot: An Israeli giant carrot hybrid marketed as Big Daddy in the US.
– Tribute: A hybrid orange carrot that grows over 1 foot long available seasonally.
While not exactly the same as branded Carrot BDO, these oversized carrot varieties can offer a similar experience of cooking with substantial carrots. Check the produce aisles at your local supermarkets or farmers markets to see if large specialty carrots are available in your region.
The Future of Carrot BDO
Looking ahead, there are some possible directions for Carrot BDO carrots:
– Expanded availability: Jumbo may expand distribution of Carrot BDO carrots into more supermarkets across Europe and internationally. This will make them more widely accessible.
– New products: Jumbo may launch more value-added foods and beverages made with Carrot BDO carrots, such as carrot cake, juice blends, and spiralized noodles.
– Organic options: Introducing an organic certified version of Carrot BDO carrots could appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking to avoid pesticides.
– Breeding improvements: Continued breeding advancements may enhance attributes like flavor, texture, and nutrition content in future generations of Carrot BDO carrots.
– Competition: Other supermarkets may develop their own proprietary extra-large branded carrots to compete with Carrot BDO for market share.
The unique Carrot BDO variety has clearly carved out a niche for shoppers seeking sizable carrots. As more consumers discover these giant carrots, we will likely see the Carrot BDO brand continue innovating in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Carrot BDO refers to extra large, sweet carrots sold by Jumbo supermarkets in the Netherlands and Belgium. These bright orange carrots can grow over 12 inches long and provide an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin A, and other nutrients. Carrot BDO carrots can be used in all sorts of recipes from soups to juices. They provide a fun and nutritious ingredient for home cooking. Shoppers in the Netherlands can find Carrot BDO carrots at local Jumbo stores or order them online for convenient delivery. While not yet widely available globally, some specialty markets do carry other jumbo carrot varieties that can work as a substitute. With their impressive size and sweet flavor, Carrot BDO carrots are a tasty addition to any meal.
