Heirloom

One of the biggest trends in veggies is the reintroduction of heirloom species to many people. What does heirloom mean anyway. In a Chowhound post, it is defined as “Heirloom plant species are vegetables, flowers, and fruits grown from seeds that are passed down from generation to generation… Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, meaning they rely on natural pollination from insects or the wind.”

While your typical grocery store veggie is grown for uniformity, long shelf life, resistance to disease and rotting and sturdiness during transport, heirloom veggies are often grown for diverse shapes, colors and more intense flavors. Let’s use some heirloom carrots.

Southwestern Rainbow Carrots

These multi-colored carrots look great on your plate.

Look at those beauties. Only one or two with typical carrot colors.

Sliced and ready for the oven.

Mixed with some fresh herbs.

So flavorful!

Southwestern Rainbow Carrots

Ingredients:

3 pounds rainbow carrots
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
½ tsp kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Halve 3 pounds rainbow carrots lengthwise; toss with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin and kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder. Roast at 425 degrees F, 25 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/articles/50-vegetable-side-dish-recipes.html