Altai gourmet carrots: reviews, photos, yield

Description of the carrot variety Altai Gourmand

The Altai Gourmand carrot variety is chosen for its combination of excellent taste, unpretentiousness and endurance, and rapid adaptation to any climate.

The new Altai gourmet was presented by Russian agricultural breeders.

The creators of the variety and the owners of the patent are private farmers Dederko V.N. from Novosibirsk and Ugarova S.V. from Barnaul (farm “Svetlana”). The cold-resistant variety belongs to the Nantes variety and is considered one of the sweetest.

Chemical composition, trace elements and vitamins, beneficial properties

The highly nutritious root vegetable is considered a dietary product - only 40 kcal per 100 g. It consists of 89% water.

Contents per 100 g:

• proteins - 17.1%;
• fat - 2.2%;
• carbohydrates - 80.7%.

Carrots have no trans fats or cholesterol, but contain 6-8% healthy sugar.

100 g of product contains:

• 2700 mg of fiber (indigestible fiber) - has a positive effect on intestinal motility;
• 8.29 mg of beta-carotene - normalizes the functioning of the visual organs;
• 0.14 mg of retinol - supports the health of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, has a positive effect on the sex glands;
• 0.02 mg of biotin - improves protein metabolism, accelerates skin cell regeneration;
• 0.14 mg of pyridoxine - growth vitamin, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, participates in hematopoietic processes, increases hemoglobin, is necessary for the breakdown of fats;
• 0.07 mg of thiamine - necessary for the coordinated functioning of the nervous system, stimulates brain function, optimizes carbohydrate metabolism;
• 0.06 mg of riboflavin - participates in the redox reactions of the body, affects the level of red blood cells and the production of hormones;
• 0.01 mg phylloquinone - affects blood clotting, synthesizes proteins, is good for the liver;
• 5.8 mg of ascorbic acid - a natural antioxidant, protects the body from viruses and infections, regenerates tissue at the cellular level, is necessary for blood vessels and bones;
• 0.7 mg of tocopherol is a vitamin of youth, slows down cell aging, supports reproductive function, improves blood circulation, and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques.

Carrots have a rich mineral composition:

• macroelements (potassium - 320 mg, magnesium - 12 mg, phosphorus - 35 mg) strengthen the walls of blood vessels, prevent their fragility, improve the condition of nails, hair, skin;
• microelements (manganese - 0.14 mg, iron - 0.3 mg, copper - 0.05 mg) support the functioning of the endocrine system, strengthen joints, and restore connective tissue cells.

A complex of phytonutrients (carotenoids, acids, lutein, anthocyanins, polyacetylenes) mobilizes the body's protective functions, improves immunity, and protects against cancer.

Reference. Medical works of antiquity describe the healing properties of carrots. The ancient Greeks and Romans not only served it as a delicious delicacy, but also used it as medicine.

Healing properties of Altai gourmet carrots:

• a powerful antioxidant that resists the formation of malignant tumors;
• promotes weight loss, gives a feeling of satiety, gently cleanses the intestines, improves digestion;
• strengthens the retina, invaluable for people suffering from myopia and night blindness;
• prophylactic against chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins (blepharitis) and conjunctivitis;
• preserves women's health;
• affects hematopoiesis, improves blood composition (reduces sugar levels and bad cholesterol), prevents the development of leukemia;
• supports the heart muscle, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
• improves intracellular metabolism, has a vasodilating effect, supports the functioning of the kidneys and genitourinary system.

Features of application

Due to the high content of sugar and carotene, carrots have a sweet taste and a bright, rich color. With great pleasure and health benefits, Altai gourmet is consumed raw during the ripening season. The variety is suitable for baby and dietary food (juices, purees).

Due to its ability to be stored for a long time, carrots do not lose their nutritional value for 10-12 months. Therefore, the variety is suitable for freezing in grated form. Housewives willingly use Altai gourmet for pickles and marinades, salads with eggplant and pepper, and add it to caviar. Without cooking and sterilization, it is used to prepare a universal dressing for soups and borscht.

In the summer, the root vegetable is added to fresh vegetable salads and sweet desserts with fruit. Throughout the year, carrots are used to prepare sweet and main dishes:

• casseroles with rice;
• carrot cakes;
• potato pancakes with carrots, carrot cutlets;
• zucchini-carrot pancakes and cakes;
• stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls;
• vegetable sauté;
• puree soups, etc.

Fans of spicy food use Altai gourmet for preparing salads, appetizers and vegetable dishes:

• Korean carrots and tomatoes;
• Tatar snack;
• adjika;
• ajapsandali, etc.

Ripening time and yield

Altai gourmet belongs to the mid-season varieties. The period of vegetation development of root crops is on average 95-110 days, depending on the weather and climatic conditions of the region, the quality of care and fertilizing.

The yield of the variety is average: on average, up to 4.5-5 kg ​​of carrots are harvested from 1 m².

Disease resistance

With the initial processing of seed and timely preparation of the soil, regular spraying and compliance with basic care rules, resistance to viruses and pest damage will be high.

According to its genetic characteristics, the variety is considered hardy and resistant to garden infections and insects.

Characteristics, description of appearance, taste

The above-ground part (tops) has the shape of a rosette and is spreading. The leaves themselves are medium in size, dissected in shape, and bright green in color.

The length of the root crop is on average 20-22 cm, the average weight is 100-150 g. Altai gourmet carrots are elongated, cone-shaped with a rounded tip.

The flesh is rich orange with a red tint. There is no distinct core.

Due to the increased content of sugar and beta-carotene, Altai gourmet has a delicate, sweetish taste. During the year, the root crop does not lose its beneficial properties, presentation and taste.

What regions is it suitable for?

In 2009, Altai Gourmand carrots were included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements.

Initially, the variety was intended for cultivation in areas with short summers and harsh weather conditions - in Siberia and the Urals. Later it was zoned for all regions of the country.

The variety is distinguished by a high level of adaptation; acclimatization goes well in any latitude of Russia.

Characteristics

• The variety belongs to the mid-early variety - from the period of full germination to technical ripeness, 90 - 100 days pass;
• marketable yield is very good - 260 - 505 c/ha. This is 60 - 173 c/ha higher than the Napoli F1 and Nantes 4 standards. The maximum yield was shown in the Kirov region and amounted to 855 c/ha;
• the yield of marketable products is 74 – 95%;
• the variety is flexible, adapts well to climate changes, so can be grown in many regions;
• applicants indicate good shelf life and ability to be stored without loss of taste;
• Gourmet contains a high content of sugars and carotene, therefore it is very good for health;
• For use in cooking it is considered universal. You can eat it in its natural form, in vitamin salads. These carrots are considered the best for the production of baby food and juice.

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The main advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Advantages of the variety:

• special unpretentiousness to growing conditions;
• mild sweet taste and aroma are not lost during storage;
• does not lose its marketability due to the large size and rich color of the root crop;
• excellent keeping quality of the crop (does not wither, does not wrinkle).

Among the disadvantages, gardeners point out the tendency of the Altai gourmet to shoot and bloom.

What is the difference from other varieties

Altai gourmet ripens faster than other varieties of carrots, for example, Vitamin or Queen of Autumn, but a week later than Nantes.

The variety is the leader in the length of root crops: fully ripe ones reach 25 cm in length, which is 5-7 cm longer than Tushon and Alenka.

In terms of weight, the variety is slightly superior to Vitamin and Tushon.

Features of planting and growing

When planting Altai gourmet carrots, some agronomic nuances and care features are taken into account.

Preparing for landing

Prepare the area in advance:

• remove weeds so that the grass does not clog the first shoots;
• loosen the soil;
• pickle and soak the seed with a growth stimulator for 2-3 hours;
• In autumn, the site is fertilized with compost, manure or mineral complexes.

Soil requirements

In heavy rocky soil, the root crops of the Altai gourmet grow crooked and small. Adding river sand will help make the soil looser.

Altai gourmet carrots are suitable for sandy or loamy, slightly acidic soils with a fertile layer of at least 25-30 cm.

Important! The liming method to reduce soil acidity is not suitable for the variety.

Predecessors

For the Altai gourmet the soil will be favorable after:

• cucumbers;
• tomatoes;
• bitter and sweet capsicum;
• early cabbage;
• legumes;
• potatoes;
• onions and garlic.

It is undesirable to sow seeds in the soil where they previously grew:

• celery;
• cilantro;
• dill, parsley;
• beet;
• caraway.

Dates, scheme and rules of planting

Seeds are sown in open ground from mid-April to early May, depending on the region. The first shoots appear a week later at a temperature of 17-18°C. If the air warms up to +12°C, then the seedlings will “hatch” on the 15th day.

Important! The rate of seed germination directly depends on the degree of soil warming.

Disembarkation order:

• cut grooves at a distance of 15-20 cm, no more than 3-4 cm deep;
• pour through a fine sprayer;
• Plant seeds at a distance of no more than 5 cm from each other.

Description

This is one of the sweetest carrot varieties and has excellent characteristics. Combines excellent taste and the ability to grow in extreme conditions. The harvest can be obtained even if you do not provide proper care, and all because it is adapted to Siberian conditions.

The color of Altai Gourmand carrots is red-orange, and the sugar and carotene content provides a delicate taste. The root crops themselves are elongated-conical in shape and reach a length of up to 20 centimeters. Carrots retain excellent taste and appearance for a long time, until the next harvest.

And in order for the fruits to grow healthy, it is recommended to use special growth stimulants.

Features of cultivation

To achieve a high yield of juicy and large root crops of the Altai gourmet, provide it with minimal favorable conditions:

• loosen the soil;
• water regularly;
• weed the weeds.

Nuances of care

To preserve moisture, it is advisable to mulch the bed with hay or sawdust.

During the period of seed germination, to maintain heat exchange in the soil, the bed is covered with film. It is periodically removed during the day to allow the crops to be ventilated. Also, we must not forget about thinning the seedlings.

Watering mode

Watering Altai Gourmand carrots moderately and regularly as the soil dries out . Root crops will rot in wet, muddy soil. From a lack of moisture, on the contrary, the pulp will become hard and dry.

The optimal watering regime in areas with a temperate climate is once every 7-10 days. In cold regions where winds dry out the soil greatly, it is important to water the crops at the initial stage of germination daily in small quantities.

Recommended soil moisture is up to 75% during the formation of root crops. 10-14 days before harvest, humidity should not exceed 60%.

Thinning and weed control

Thinning is carried out in 2 stages:

• after the first pair of true leaves appear, the distance between “neighbors” is at least 2.5 cm;
• after 3-3.5 weeks - leave a distance between seedlings of at least 5 cm.

Before the procedure, the crops are moistened so that the remaining seedlings are not damaged, after which it is advisable to mulch the bed.

To prevent weeds from interfering with the growth of root crops, the beds are weeded at least 2-3 times per season. After regular watering, the soil is washed away - hill up the beds in time to cover the tops of the root crops.

Top dressing

At the time of soaking the seeds, a microbiological agent, “Nitrophoska”, containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, is used.

In cold areas, calcium sulfate is used to prevent hypothermia of seedlings.

At the moment of ripening, the ground around the outlet is sprinkled with wood ash.

Important! Altai gourmet carrots can be stored longer if the nitrogen content in the soil is moderate - 20% less potassium.

Disease and pest control

"Fitoverm" 2% is a biological pesticide; it neutralizes the soil from 20 types of insects and pests. The solution is sprayed on the above-ground part throughout the growing season until the moment of harvest. The last treatment is allowed 2 days in advance. It is advisable to process carrots in dry weather, in the morning or evening after sunset.

It is advisable to treat mulch (peat, sawdust, compost) with urea for disinfection purposes. Mulching will save crops from pest attacks.

A solution of “Intavir” or “Actellika” will help against carrot flies. For preventive purposes, to disinfect the soil, spraying the above-ground part with a solution of Bordeaux mixture is used.

During the season, it is advisable to use biological products “Bitoxibacillin” and “Lepidocide”.

Diseases and pests

The greatest damage to carrots is caused by the carrot fly, psyllid, wireworm, mole cricket and other insects that eat the plant pulp. Aphids are less dangerous. Timely removal of weeds, thinning, and optimal humidity will help protect carrots. To control pests, insecticides and biological products are used, for example, “Bitoxibacillin” or “Lepidocide”.

To prevent infection of carrots with fungal parasites, it is important to regularly loosen the soil, avoid crowding the beds and waterlogging the soil. You can also use biofungicides - “Mikosan”, “Fitocide”, “Mikofidin” and other drugs.

Harvest and storage

It is important not to keep root crops in the soil and harvest in accordance with the planting date. Root crops dug up in time retain nutrients and are better stored.

How and when to collect

Altai gourmet root vegetables begin to actively gain weight during the period when the average daily temperature decreases.

Collection rules:

• 10-15 days before digging the crop, stop watering;
• harvest at a temperature of 7-9°C;
• do this only in dry weather;
• dig up the root crops with a shovel, cut the tops with a knife.

Storage features and keeping quality of the variety

Immediately after harvesting, the root crops are sorted. Then dry them for 1 hour in a well-ventilated place. For complete cooling, carrots are stored in a dark, cool room for 6-7 days.

The storage area (basement, cellar) is first treated with slaked lime or copper sulfate solution.

Altai gourmet carrots are distinguished by their high keeping quality provided that optimal conditions are met:

• exclude direct sunlight;
• ensure storage temperature - 3-4°C;
• air humidity - 90-95%.

Do not store damaged root vegetables with whole ones.

Reviews

Among the reviews from gardeners about the Altai Gourmand carrots, positive ones predominate. This is easily explained by the excellent characteristics of the variety and the absence of specific disadvantages.

Negative reviews about the variety are based on poor yield indicators, which in reality is quite difficult to achieve - only gross errors in garden maintenance and a complete lack of plant care can lead to such results.

Here are just a few of the many opinions about the variety:

For every housewife, carrots are an indispensable product in the kitchen; they are added literally everywhere: first courses, second courses, salads. You can buy it in a store or plant and grow it yourself, so as not to doubt the quality of the product.

Reviews of the Altai Gourmand carrot variety

According to gardeners, Altai gourmet is an excellent choice for those who want to reap a rich harvest with minimal time and effort.

Svetlana Bakurova, Kemerovo: “I’ve been gardening for a long time. I tried the Altai delicacy and did not regret it. I am glad that the variety is not picky. The harvest exceeded expectations - the carrots grew 18 cm in length. True, I used special stimulant drugs.”

Anna Simenkova, Irkutsk: “I planted the Altai gourmet without any problems (according to the description on the package). There were no questions or problems with care. The carrots grew a little less than the promised parameters, but, I admit, the site chosen was not entirely successful.”

Storozhenko V.S., Tyumen: “Altai gourmet carrots are sweet and juicy. Everything worked out for me, even though I started gardening for the first year. Basic care - rare watering, loosening. I recommend this variety to everyone."

Comparison with other varieties

The modern horticultural market offers a wide variety of carrot varieties. They can differ in several ways, the main ones among which are considered to be the ripening time of the vegetable, the length and weight of its root crops. To compare the “Altai Gourmand” according to these characteristics with the most common varieties of carrots today, the table below is given.

Table 1. Comparative characteristics of carrot varieties

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