Carrots are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow. There is something so satisfying about pulling the tall, green, feathered tops from the garden bed to reveal the tapered root that’s been growing, unseen, beneath the soil. But what if, after waiting months, the highly anticipated harvest tastes bitter, soapy, or somewhat like turpentine? In this post, you will learn what causes this phenomenon and what you can do to remedy the situation and prevent it from happening again. You will also discover if you can somehow salvage the odd-tasting carrots.
What Causes Soapy Tasting Carrots?
The first question we must answer is, what causes carrots to taste strangely like soap? Carrots contain an organic, volatile compound called terpenoids. The purpose of terpenoids is to protect plants from fungal diseases and pests. Terpenoids are also important because they, along with the naturally occurring sugars, combine to give carrots their great taste. But when there is a high concentration of terpenoids, the result is a carrot that tastes weirdly like soap. The taste may also be reminiscent of turpentine since the strongly scented compound contains high levels of terpenes, from which terpenoids are derived.
So, what causes high concentrations of terpenoids? There are four primary causes.
First, harvesting carrots too soon can result in elevated levels of the compound. That is because terpenoids develop earlier than sugars do. If you harvest carrots before the sugars have time to fully develop, you will taste the higher levels of terpenoids.
Second, stressful growing conditions are another cause of off-tasting carrots. For example, insufficient water or inconsistent watering can cause higher terpenoid levels. In addition, if there is a nutrient imbalance, primarily involving insufficient nitrogen or phosphorus, it, too, can cause an increase in terpenoids. Extreme temperature fluctuations can also stress the plant to the point that it creates more terpenoids.
A third cause of poor flavor quality is choosing to plant the wrong variety. Some varieties contain lower sugar levels and higher levels of terpenoids, making them more susceptible to excessive terpenoid levels.
A fourth reason for bad tasting carrots is improper storage. When carrots are stored with fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas–like apples, bananas, peppers, tomatoes, and avocados–it encourages elevated terpenoid levels. That is because the gas is a ripening agent.
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How to Fix the Problem
Don’t worry if your latest harvest does not meet your expectations. You can take steps to remedy the problem for the next crop.
- Choose a variety with a higher sugar content and lower terpenoid level. The Nantes variety may be a good option for you.
- Be sure to provide the plants with adequate and consistent watering. Check the soil two inches below the surface for moisture content. You may find a moisture meter helpful.
- Make sure the plants are getting adequate nutrients. Proper NPK levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are essential for healthy plant development. You can use a simple soil test kit to help you determine soil nutrient levels. Use a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus than it is in nitrogen.
- Store the harvest in a cool, dark place free from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables. If needed, place them in a sealed storage bag that can prevent exposure to ethylene.
Can You Still Eat Soapy Carrots?
Do you have to toss soapy carrots out? Not necessarily! Even though they may taste off when eaten raw, they are perfectly safe to eat. But to remove the weird taste, simply cook the carrots. This will break down the terpenoids and allow the natural flavor to return.
Check out this helpful article for more information on how to grow delicious and beautiful carrots. Or this one that answers the question, Do All Colors of Carrots Taste the Same?
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