Ask Evan: Can You Eat Carrot Tops?

Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Facebook:

I just harvested rainbow carrots from my garden! First time ever growing carrots. It seems a shame to waste the greens. Can you eat them? Any recommendations?

Yes, you can eat carrot tops. They are edible and non-poisonous. They are bitter however so it might be challenging to find a preparation that suits your palate. Which is why they’re used more often for medicinal teas (approved, FYI by the military for survival use). Now that we’re discussing carrot tops I’m wondering if anyone has ever steeped them in vodka. Their aroma is so enticing. The best source for more information than you ever thought you might want on eating carrot tops is the World Carrot Museum in the UK. Yes, there is a carrot museum, although a virtual one. You can easily spend an hour there. They have recipes for carrot top soups, vinaigrettes, pesto, etc. If you find yourself still knee deep in carrot tops there is always the classic solution. Buy a rabbit.