Daucus carota.
Due to its versatility, this vegetable is always present
in the shopping cart of all Brazilians. Grated, finely sliced, or cut into sticks, it renders salads and snacks. A basic ingredient in broths and some stews, it is also added to soups, soufflés and, at tea or dessert time, it is the main ingredient of cake covered with chocolate icing. The aromatic, edible leaves are usually discarded, but can be used to flavor soups, stews and beans. You can find carrots at fairs and markets throughout the year in Brazil, but the harvesting peak goes from October to December. Top producers are the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Bahia.
