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Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Carrot |
| Scientific name | Daucus carota subsp. sativus |
| Family / Genus | Apiaceae / Daucus |
| Produce category | Root Vegetable |
| Produce subcategory | Taproot |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4562 |
| PLU — organic | 94562 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_1440 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 250.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bolero | 18% | Nantes-type, excellent uniformity, strong tops, disease resistant (Alternaria and powdery mildew), smooth cylindrical shape, deep orange color, extended harvest window, 7-8 inches |
| Imperator 58 | 15% | Classic Imperator type, 9-10 inches long, slender tapered shape, standard for fresh market and processing, good color, widely adapted |
| Chantenay | 12% | Short, thick, broad-shouldered, 5-7 inches, cone-shaped, excellent for heavy soils, sweet flavor, good storage, processing favorite |
| Danvers 126 | 10% | Danvers-type, 6-8 inches, broad shoulders tapering to point, adaptable to various soil types, good storage, sweet and tender |
| Nantes | 9% | Cylindrical, blunt tip, 6-7 inches, coreless appearance, exceptionally sweet, crisp texture, standard for fresh eating |
| Nelson | 8% | Nantes-type hybrid, uniform cylindrical shape, excellent color, smooth skin, disease resistant, 7 inches, extended storage capability |
| Scarlet Nantes | 7% | Improved Nantes type, bright orange, sweet flavor, smooth skin, 6-7 inches, reliable performer, excellent fresh market variety |
| Royal Chantenay | 6% | Improved Chantenay, 5-6 inches, deep orange, thick, stout, excellent for difficult soils, good processing quality |
| Sugarsnax 54 | 5.5% | Imperator-type hybrid, 9-10 inches, exceptionally sweet (high brix), excellent color retention, disease resistant, popular for fresh market |
| Napoli | 4.5% | Early Nantes-type, 6-7 inches, cylindrical, blunt tip, fast maturity, uniform, excellent for bunching and baby carrots |
| Touchon | 2% | French Nantes-type, 7-8 inches, coreless, very sweet, smooth skin, gourmet quality, delicate texture |
| Purple Haze | 1.5% | Purple exterior with orange interior, 8-10 inches, Imperator-type, novelty variety, anthocyanin-rich skin, sweet flavor |
| Yellowstone | 1% | Yellow carrot, 7-8 inches, Imperator-type, mild sweet flavor, specialty market, contains xanthophyll pigments |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: null°F.
- Freezing point: 29.5°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 3 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Production rate (20°C) | 0.3 μL C2H4/kg·h typical (0.1–0.5) |
| Sensitivity class | moderate |
| Sensitivity threshold | 1 ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: FINN: Ethylene exposure is a critical quality issue for carrots. Even at 0.5-1.0 ppm, bitter flavor develops within days. Segregate from apples, pears, melons, and tomatoes. Use ethylene scrubbers if mixed loads unavoidable.
Mixed-load compatibility
Group 1: Requires high humidity, tolerates near-freezing temperatures, low ethylene producer
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? Yes
- Light-sensitive? Yes
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Moderately growing. Fresh carrot consumption increased 2.3% annually over past 5 years. Baby carrot segment growing faster at 4.1% annually. Organic carrots showing strong 8-12% annual growth. Value-added products (shredded, chips, juice) expanding market access.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.58 |
| Income elasticity | 0.21 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -0.82 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Imperator | 48% |
| Nantes | 22% |
| Chantenay | 12% |
| Danvers | 8% |
| Baby/Mini | 6% |
| Other | 4% |
Pack sizes
- 25 lb cartons
- 48 lb cartons (bulk)
- 50 lb sacks
- 24 x 1 lb bags per case
- 12 x 2 lb bags per case
- 6 x 5 lb bags per case
- 24 bunches per carton (topped carrots)
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
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