Carrots
Carrots are the kind of veg that give you maximum reward for minimum effort. Sweet, crunchy, and cheap—they're always ready to jump into your lunch or snack plan. You don’t even need to cook them. Just wash and crunch. They’re brilliant raw with dips, roast like a dream in the air fryer, and can be grated into salads or mashed into something warm and soothing. They’re also long-lasting in the fridge, so you don’t have to think about them until you’re ready.
Why is it good for ADHD?
Carrots are packed with ADHD frinedly nutrition including:
- Complex Carbohydrates: Carrots provide a steady release of energy, helping to maintain focus and reduce blood sugar spikes and crashes.
- Rich in Antioxidants: High in beta-carotene and other antioxidants, carrots support overall brain health and may improve cognitive function.
- High in Fibre: The fibre in carrots aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly linked to improved mood and cognitive function.
- Low Glycaemic Index: With a low GI, carrots help in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for mood and energy regulation.
Different Types & Cuts
- Whole Carrots: Versatile and suitable for various cooking methods like roasting, boiling, or grating.
- Baby Carrots: Convenient for roastind, snacking and dipping, requiring no peeling.
- Pre-Sliced or Grated: Time-saving options perfect for salads and quick cooking.
- Frozen Carrots: Great for cooked dishes, though they may have a softer texture upon thawing.
Buying Tips
- Freshness: Look for firm carrots with a vibrant orange colour and smooth skin.
- Organic Options: If possible, choose organic carrots to reduce exposure to pesticides.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator's crisper drawer in a perforated plastic bag to maintain moisture and crispness or if you are eating them soon they can stay out in a cool dark dry place.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Keep carrots in the fridge to extend their shelf life up to 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid Moisture: Store away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples to prevent spoilage.
- Freezing: Blanch and freeze carrots for long-term storage, ideal for cooked dishes.
Prep Tips
- Roasting: Toss sliced carrots with olive oil and your choice of spices, then roast until tender and slightly caramelised.
- Salads: Grate or julienne carrots to add crunch and colour to salads.
- Snacking: Slice into sticks for easy dipping into hummus or yoghurt-based sauces.
- Cooking: Steam or boil until just tender to retain their nutrients and natural sweetness.
Top Flavour Bomb Combos
- Spices: Enhance with cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika for a flavour kick.
- Herbs: Pair with fresh dill, parsley, or thyme to add freshness.
- Acidity: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the natural sweetness of carrot
- Creamy: Carrots served on a bed of flavoured yoghurt with some nuts and seeds is a delcious hearty side.
- Sweet Elements: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup when roasting to amplify their caramelised notes.
Related Recipes
Air Fryer Roasted Carrots
These carrots are sweet, savoury, and caramelised with zero faff. The air fryer does all the work, giving you golden edges and a soft centre. You can also pair them with any flavour bomb for a dopamine boost. We particularly like them with chilli oil or parmesan. They’re the perfect ADHD-friendly side—easy, tasty, and endlessly flexible.
Roasted Carrots with Chilli Oil & Garlic Yoghurt
This dish is super addictive. It's spicy, cool, salty, sweet, soft and crunchy all in one. This dish feels like like it came straight from a restaurant, but it’s secretly simple. The carrots go soft and sweet in the air fryer while the garlic yoghurt brings cool, creamy contrast. The crispy chilli oil hits with heat and umami. And if you add the optional nuts you get a textural balance between the soft roasted carrots and the crisp and crunchy nuts. It’s sensory dopamine on a plate, with barely any fuss.