Carrot Tops are Toxic

This is an unfortunately myth because carrot tops are perfecty safe and many people find them to be rather tasty!

Carrot Greens, or Tops, Are Not Toxic

Most carrots these days are sold without the tops (the green leafy part), and when the tops are still attached, most people just cut them off and discard them. Why? There's a notion among many people that carrot tops are toxic, but that's yet another kitchen myth. Carrot greens do resemble the actually poisonous hemlock plant but they are two different plants and carrot greens are perfectly safe to eat.

What to Do With Carrot Greens?

First of all, what do they taste like? I have heard the taste described as a cross between carrots and parsley. They also have a subtle astringent, peppery taste not unlike arugula. This taste and perhaps some bitterness is more pronounced in older greens. They are not to everyone's liking for sure, but many folks love them.

What can you do with them? I have seen recipes for using carrot tops in pesto and chimichurri. You can add them raw to salads, chop and use to top soups and stews. A quick web search will turn up a lot of ideas. But toxic? No way!