Baby carrots are sweeter than regular carrots primarily because they are bred to be that way.
Here's a breakdown of why:
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Selective Breeding: Baby carrots, especially "baby-cut" carrots, are often made from carrot varieties specifically bred to have a sweeter taste. These varieties have been selected for their lower core bitterness and higher sugar content.
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Smaller Diameter & Coreless Tendency: As noted in the reference, these carrots are often bred to be smaller in diameter and have a less prominent (or entirely absent) core. The core is the part of a carrot that can sometimes taste bitter. Reduced core size naturally leads to a sweeter overall flavor.
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"Baby-Cut" Carrots Explained: It's important to note that most "baby carrots" sold in supermarkets aren't actually harvested as baby carrots. They are "baby-cut" carrots, created by peeling and cutting larger carrots into smaller, uniform, bite-sized pieces. This process ensures consistent size and sweetness.
In summary, the sweetness of baby carrots results from a combination of selective breeding for sweeter varieties and the processing method used to create the "baby-cut" shape, which often minimizes bitterness from the core.
