source: blog.goo.ne.jp

“What on earth is this phenomenon/” “I have never seen a carrot like this before!”

This phenomenon is when a strange colored root is growing out of the tip of the carrot! This carrot has been allowed “to stand” Did you know about this phenomenon?

This carrot is attempting to bloom!

Carrots and other flowering plants have two growth stages of vegetative growth that enlarges their bodies and reproductive growth to leave descendants (seeds).“Standing” is a sign that reproductive growth has began and the core is hardened to extend the stem for flowering!

Both of these carrots are from Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku in Japan, the left side is a soft and fresh carrot while the carrot on the right side has been allowed “to stand” and has white whisker roots are appearing from the tip of the carrot.

source: blog.goo.ne.jp

Try cutting both sides of the carrot as shown in the image like this. The carrot on the left can be cut cleanly, but the carrot on the right is hard and is difficult to cut. It seems that you can peel this “hard” carrot down to the core.

source: blog.goo.ne.jp

source: blog.goo.ne.jp

Although it doesn’t occur often, you may encounter a carrot that has been allowed “to stand” which will make it difficult to cut with a kitchen knife!