Did you know that the green tops of carrots are edible? It’s true! If you get a bunch of carrots with their greens still attached, don’t throw the greens in the trash! Save those fresh carrot tops and try this carrot leaves recipe for a delicious pesto. You’ll save money, reduce food waste, and have something tasty to show for your efforts!

I’ve been on an extremely tight budget during certain periods of my life but have always managed to live well. One of the simplest ways I’ve found to reduce my grocery bill is to make use of everything that I have.

That means using any produce we buy before it spoils with good meal planning. I also make sure to squeeze as many meals as possible out of food that comes into the house.

For example, when I roast a whole chicken, I make sure to make bone broth before I throw the carcass away. When I have pears that are under-ripe or overly bruised I make them into a delicious applesauce substitute. And when I get my hands on fresh carrot greens, I eat them rather than throw them in the trash.

That’s right, carrot greens are edible. They are fairly bitter but if you blanch them first, they integrate well into many dishes. (P.S. Radish tops can be treated the same way!)

Here I’m offering up a tasty carrot leaves recipe for pesto. This pesto freezes well so you can use it in an assortment of dishes. Aside from using it on pasta, you can add it to roasted veggies, use it to dress salads, or spread it on grilled cheese.

You’re going to be so glad to have this pesto on hand as a flavor enhancer. It is delicious!

🥕 Carrot Leaves Recipe

This carrot greens recipe for carrot top pesto is my answer to how to use carrot leaves. Here are the ingredients you need to make it:

• 2 cups carrot leaves, chopped small (remove thickest carrot stems; this is approximately the amount from one bunch of carrots)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ cup pine nuts (walnuts can also be used)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• black pepper, to taste (or red pepper flakes for an added kick)

Get a printable recipe card lower in the post!

When you buy carrots with greens, try to use the fresh carrot greens right away. They are highly perishable and wilt easily.

Here are step-by-step instructions for how to prepare carrot tops:

1. Set a pot of water to boil. Prepare the carrot leaves by rinsing, chopping, and getting rid of tough stems. Once boiling, add the carrot leaves and let cook for 1-2 minutes.

2. After the time is up, quickly drain the carrot leaves and plunge them into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the carrot greens again and put the greens into a food processor. (This blanching process helps to remove some of the bitterness from the greens.)

3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor. Blend until the pesto achieves the desired texture. You may need to stop the processor and scrape down the sides with a spatula if food is sticking to the sides.

4. Enjoy! Serve this flavorful carrot green pesto over pasta, and discover my favorite answer to how to eat carrot leaves!

👨‍🍳 Other Carrot Leaves Recipes

Looking for more answers to what to do with carrot greens? Don’t miss these tasty carrot greens recipes:

• Carrot Greens in Soup
• Carrot Top Chimichurri Sauce (tasty vegan sauce or dip)
• Carrot Greens Salad (a super side dish)
• Carrot Leaves Chutney (a delicious Indian carrot greens recipe with carrot fritters)

Carrot greens are also great used in vegetable stock, vegetable broth, or you can add them to a smoothie. The options for carrot top recipes are endless!

Have you ever eaten carrot tops? If so, what are some of your favorite ways to use them? Whether this is an old or new idea for you, I hope you love this carrot leaves recipe for pesto!

FAQs

What do carrot greens taste like?

Carrot greens have a slightly bitter and earthy taste, similar to other leafy greens like parsley or cilantro.

What are carrot leaves called?

Carrot leaves are commonly referred to as carrot tops or carrot greens.

Are carrot tops poisonous?

Carrot greens are not poisonous. The alkaloids that they contain can be found in other common edible plants, and are not toxic. That said, excessive consumption of carrot leaves can result in unpleasant GI side effects or allergic reactions in some individuals.

What are carrot leaves benefits?

Carrot leaves have certain benefits such as being a source of antioxidants (like vitamin C) and certain minerals. However, they are usually consumed in small quantities as an herb rather than a main vegetable.

Can I freeze carrot leaves?

Freezing carrot leaves is possible, but the texture may change after thawing. It’s best to blanch them briefly before freezing to preserve their color and flavor.

Can you use carrot leaves instead of parsley?

Carrot leaves can be used as a substitute for parsley in some dishes, as they have a similar flavor profile. However, they may have a slightly stronger taste, so adjust the quantity accordingly.

Is it OK to juice carrot greens?

While it’s technically possible to juice carrot greens, they are often not as commonly used for juicing as the carrot root. Moderation is key due to their potential bitter taste.

Can I dry carrot leaves?

Yes, you can dry carrot leaves. They can be dried by hanging them upside down in a well-ventilated area or using a food dehydrator. Once dried, they can be crushed and stored as a dried herb for later use in cooking or tea infusions.

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