SeeCalifornia.com

Carrots don’t always get their just desserts in California, the top fresh carrot producing state, where two companies are credited with processing the majority of all carrot products sold in the U.S. The year-round carrot crop grown commercially in four regions of the state (Central Coast, Southern Desert, High Desert and San Joaquin Valley / Cuyama Valley,) is a primary source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant effective in fighting against some forms of cancer, especially lung cancer. Current research suggests that it may also protect against stroke, and heart disease. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked carrots contains four times the recommended daily intake of vitamin A in the form of protective beta-carotene.

All eyes are on the carrot come Jan. 30 – Feb. 8, 2015 when Holtville Carrot Festival holds an annual event with a carnival, parade and cooking contests that span many days and a variety of age groups, culminating in the final cooking showdown. Holtville, California is known as The Carrot Capital of the World.