Features of cultivation and useful properties of exotic black carrots

Description and origin of black carrots

A black carrot is a root vegetable that looks like an ordinary orange carrot. In botanical reference books, the culture is listed under other names: Spanish scorzonera, Spanish goat, sweet root and serpentine.

The fruit crop belongs to herbaceous perennials of the Astrovye family. The plant blooms in May. Forms one or more inflorescences in the form of large dandelions. At the end of the flowering phase, the dandelion turns into a white ball with flying seeds inside. The average length of one grain is 1.5 cm.

Black carrots are very similar to regular carrots. The main external difference is dark brown, deep purple or black color of the peel. The skin is thin, easy to remove. It is interesting that under the black peel is hidden the snow-white pulp of the root crop, and under the purple - dark lilac with a light center. Goat has a bitter flavor that is more like a radish or radish. The average weight of one root crop is 150-200 g, the length is about 15 cm.

The countries of Southern Europe and Southwest Asia are considered the homeland of black carrots.

Growing regions

Today goat is actively cultivated in several countries of Western Europe. Whole black root plantations can be found in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The plant is massively grown in Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan.

As for Russia, the black root crop grows in Western Siberia, at the foot of the Ural Mountains, in Dagestan and in the Caucasus.

Ripening terms

The crop is harvested as standard - in the fall. Some gardeners dig up only part of the root vegetables, leaving the other half of the black carrots for the spring. Over the winter, the roots will get stronger and gain weight. It is worth noting that the culture is characterized by increased frost resistance, so even the most severe Siberian winters are not afraid of it.

Yield

Yield indicators depend on varietal characteristics and compliance with agricultural cultivation techniques. With proper care, at least 2-3 kg of edible root crops are harvested from 1 m² of the garden.

Video "Secrets of caring for black carrots"

This video explains how to grow a healthy and nutritious root vegetable in your garden beds.

Types and varieties of plants

More than 200 species and varieties of scorzonera live in their natural environment. Most of them grow in meadows, fields and along roads. But only cultivars have nutritional value:

• Sunny premiere;
• Overseas delicacy;
• Healing;
• Volcano;
• Russian giant;
• Black Knight;
• Black Lisa;
• Purple dragon;
• Spanish black;
• Pusa Asita and others.

Planting and growing black root crops

Since black carrots are only gaining momentum in popularity among Russian gardeners, few are familiar with the peculiarities of planting and growing them.

Site and soil selection

The optimal environment for growing black root crops is sandy loam or loamy soil. The place should be closed from wind and draft, but you should not avoid active sunlight.

The best precursors to black carrots are potatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Compliance with the rules of crop rotation helps to increase the yield of crops grown.

Sowing seeds

Before planting germinated seeds, the beds are broken down. The recommended distance between the rows is 25–30 cm. The soil is preliminarily fed with organic matter - rotted manure or humus.

Scorchonera seeds are buried to a depth of 2.5–3 cm. When the first shoots hatch, you need to thin out the beds. There should be a distance of 7–8 cm between shoots.

Watering and feeding

Black carrots are moisture-loving crops. Lack of moisture in the soil negatively affects the growth and development of the plant. Watering is necessary as the top layer of the soil dries out. Watering should be diffused. If you pour water from the hose, there is a high risk of root crops being washed out.

Remember to loosen the soil after each watering. The loosening procedure prevents the active growth of weeds and saturates the soil with oxygen.

For more efficient growth, root beds can be watered with a nutrient solution. Dissolve 2 tablets of the drug "Kornerost" in 10 liters of warm (room temperature) water. Process the bushes of growing carrots with the finished solution.

Pests and diseases

Common diseases of scorzonera are bacteriosis, cercosporosis and various types of rot. When the first signs of disease are detected, it is recommended to think about whether the plant is being cared for correctly. You can fight infectious agents with a decoction of nettle, soapy water or Bordeaux liquid. If traditional methods do not help, you will have to use heavy artillery - fungicidal preparations.

Often, harmful insects can be seen on carrot tops. Dangerous crop pests include aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, slugs and a bear. Soap solution and wood ash will help get rid of parasites. In case of mass destruction, insecticides "Beetle OFF", "Actellik", "Grizzly", "Medvetoks" and others are used.

Collection and storage

Harvested in autumn or spring. When digging up root crops, you need to be as careful and careful as possible. Damage to the vegetable leads to the loss of white milky juice, which gives the product piquancy and flavor.

You need to store the harvested crop in a semi-dark cool room. The best option is a properly equipped cellar with a ventilation system.

Useful and medicinal properties

What are the benefits of root vegetables, you ask? Black carrots are rich in inulin, a substance essential in the diet of diabetics. The chemical composition of scorzonera is represented by vitamins C, E, PP, B2, B13 and useful micro- and macroelements. Also, the composition contains pectin substances, luteic acid, antioxidants, saccharides, levulin and asparagine.

With regular and correct use, the product helps to strengthen the immune system, as well as improve the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems.Scorzonera is recommended for vitamin deficiency, anemia, colds, eye pathologies, rheumatism and atherosclerosis.

Areas of use

Due to its rich and varied chemical composition, black carrots have found application not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine.

In cooking

Please note that the calorie content of the product (per 100 g) is only 17 kcal. Accordingly, the root vegetable can be used for weight loss.

Black carrots are served raw or cooked. Fresh vegetables are used to make fortified salads, and carrot extract is used for nutritious and healthy drinks. Scorzonera can be boiled, baked and stewed. Root vegetables are in perfect harmony with meat, poultry, fish and other vegetables. Carrots are used as an ingredient in vegetable sauce or marinade.

In folk medicine

Our ancestors also used the sweet root of scorzonera to strengthen the immune system, prevent and treat colds. Today, the range of applications for black carrots has become much wider.

Black carrot juice

Black carrot concentrate has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and tonic effects. Freshly squeezed juice is taken before meals. In case of urolithiasis, the concentrated drink should be diluted with liquid honey in a 1: 1 ratio.

Decoction of leaves

A decoction of the foliage is used for angina and other inflammatory processes of the oral cavity. The remedy is effective for diathesis, polyarthritis, gout and purulent formations on the skin.

To prepare the broth, you need 20 g of dried / fresh tops, pour 250 ml of boiling water. Put on fire and boil for 15 minutes. Cool, strain and use as directed.

Root decoction

A filtered decoction based on root vegetables is recommended for articular pathologies and liver damage. The drink has an expectorant effect, therefore it can be prescribed for acute and obstructive bronchitis.

The crushed root vegetable is poured with 200 ml of boiling water, boiled over low heat for 10 minutes, cooled and filtered.

Root infusion

Chopped root vegetable (2 tbsp. L.) Pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 10-12 hours. The present drink is filtered and taken in 1 tsp. 30 minutes before each meal.

Infusion of scorzonera root helps with diseases of the gallbladder and liver.

Contraindications and possible harm from the plant

Do not abuse "folk remedies". An excess of vitamins and minerals in the human body can lead to a deterioration in well-being.

Scorzonera is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance and allergies. The vegetable is not recommended for those who have a history of gastritis, ulcerative pathologies of the intestines and / or stomach.

Despite its relatively weak popularity among gardeners, black carrots are increasingly found on store shelves. Seeing an unusual vegetable, do not pass by - this is a very useful and nutritious product.