The pros: Trader Joe's Les Petites Carrots of Many Colors are ready to go peeled and similar sized carrots ready to be roasted.
The cons: This item is pricey as compared to a very similar product called Carrots of Many Colors. You'll want to put something under the carrots. The purple ones let go enough moisture that you would think a squid as on your pan.
The verdict: Growing up watching the Food Network definitely changed my expectations of food. Previously, my culinary experience was whatever Mom put on the table. Shows like Chopped have made me question what I know about food. I don't think there is any show quite like it especially when they open those baskets and hold up ingredients I've very frequently never heard of or looked for. Who knew that so many items were available in different colors?
Offering just carrots would be far too basic for Trader Joe's (which they do by the way). Not only do they sell the traditional orange carrots. But they sell multi colored carrots in different variety packs depending on your level of laziness. The easiest to reach for would be the ones in the frozen section called Colorful Carrot Coins. The next easiest is this product. If you are willing to put in just a touch more effort, or don't wish to roast your carrots, then feel free to reach for the bag of Trader Joe's Carrots of Many Colors which you will need to prep yourself.
Now, these carrots clearly did not come out of the ground looking like this. They are prepped and peeled. All you need to do is turn the oven on and roast them. While you could cut them further, I'm not sure why you would be willing to pay the premium for them. The recipe on back is simple an accurate enough. Out of the oven yielded the pound of carrots with a touch of carmelization. These carrots weren't floppy.
The best way to describe these is al dente. They still had a subtle crunch to them. Just be sure to bake them on parchment. My purple carrots looked like they were using their defensive mechanism and left a pool of purple liquid behind. In any case, all of the flavors tasted about the same. Some were slightly thinner than others which lead to a softer texture. Otherwise, they're just pretty.
In any case, because these are peeled they will have a shorter shelf life than your standard bag of carrots. For $3.99 these are super presentable and will make four servings if not more. A fun option, but one of three possible options if you like your carrots to be a rainbow of colors. Just understand, this is a premium for a one pound back of carrots. A little time with a peeler and a knife and you could get the same results and have some pocket change to spare.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The bag of Trader Joe's Les Petites Carrots of Many Colors:
The nutritional information and the ingredient:
How to prepare:
After being cooked you get:
Would I buy this again? While I would not buy Trader Joe's Les Petites Carrots of Many Colors on a regular basis, they would make for a lovely side for a Sunday dinner.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Dagmar says
I absolutely love carrots. I'm with you, this item is a little pricey especially considering they are not organic. That said though, they do make a lovely presentation for a more formal dinner.
becomebetty says
Much agree on the price point and the issue of this being non organic. Thanks as always for stopping by!
pauldaviescartoons says
3.99 for a bag of carrots is some price! you can get a whole lot of untouched carrots in this part of the world for .50 cents. Cut fine and sizzled in a little butter and water with perhaps a little ginger they'd be hard to beat. Love the blog!
becomebetty says
In this part of the US a regular bag of carrots is about $1 for a non organic one pound bag. Thanks so much!
Dagmar says
On the subject of carrots these or other less elegant carrots would be good dipped in Trader Joe's Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip. For a healthier dip it's really quite tasty.
Maria says
I just love to serve rainbow carrots, like you I never heard of them before "Chopped". I have bought them not prepped at Trader Joes, and they also have rainbow carrots from time to time in Shop Rite. I have used them in stews, soups and with roasts. I buy them every time I see them. Not sure I would buy that little bag all done, $3.99 seems like a lot for such a small amount of product.
becomebetty says
Hey Maria! I've only recently seen rainbow carrots start to make an appearance at other grocery store. I consider myself fancy when I buy carrots with the greens still attached. But I do have to agree with you $3.99 is a bit steep. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts!
Dee says
Life tip from me: don’t use purple carrots in soup. Made a mushroom barley soup with some purple carrots. Hence forth it is now referred to as Barney soup for the lovely purple hue. Tasty but purpley.
becomebetty says
Hey Dee! I noticed my purple carrots leaked like crazy. I am so glad you stopped by and shared your experience. Hopefully someone will read your comment and will avoid Barney soup in the future. I do love the name though and I'm glad that regardless of appearance it was still tasty! Your comment made my night! Thanks so much for stopping by!