Did you know carrots belong to the parsley family ? Carrots have been around for thousands of years  and are one of the most popular root vegetables.They are one of my favorite side dishes to prepare both throughout  the year and  on special occasions such as Easter.This recipe for Roasted  Carrots  + Orange Blossom Honey Reduction both enhances and complements  the sweetness of the carrots.

Carrots | when roasting make sure your carrots are about the same size this will ensure even cooking 

Honey | Buy good quality honey from your local farmer’s market , if possible

Carrot  Facts :

Carrots are both versatile, easy to prepare and rich in *polyphenols ,carotenoids and ascorbic acid.

Carrot leaves should be trimmed as soon as possible, leaving them on depletes carrots of both moisture and vitamins

Carrot greens are edible, add them to soups and salads

Store carrots in the vegetable bin of  the refrigerator, keep them away from apples-these produce ethylene- and can cause a bitter taste in carrots.

Carrots that have become limp can be re-crisped by placing them in a bowl of ice water.

* Polyphenols play a major role in the prevention of  cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.

** Phytochemicals -anti inflammatory and antioxidant substances that can produce plasma lipid modifications and have anti -tumour properties.

In this recipe the sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by both  roasting them and by the addition of an  orange blossom honey  reduction.