For the older folk. . .do you remember these carrot and raisin salads as youth. Let’s bring them back.

For the Salad:

4 cups carrots, very thinly sliced

2 cups Granny Smith apples, very thinly sliced

1 cup raisins

¼ cup mayo

2 tablespoons sour cream or coconut cream

2 tablespoons sugar or Agave

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

salt and pepper, to taste

Now What. . .

Combine carrots, apples, and raisins in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper until well combined. Pour over the carrot mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Carrots offer numerous benefits for hair and skin due to their high concentration of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, and other beneficial nutrients. Vitamin A helps protect skin from damage, promotes cell renewal, and can improve skin texture, while also supporting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss.

Skin Benefits:

Protecting from sun damage:

Carrots, particularly carrot seed oil, are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, acting as an antioxidant to protect skin from UV radiation. 

Improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles:

Vitamin A in carrots can boost cell turnover, leading to smoother and clearer skin. It can also help improve skin elasticity and potentially reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Reducing hyperpigmentation:

Carrots contain antioxidants that can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone, contributing to a more radiant complexion. 

Helping with acne:

Vitamin A and E in carrots can help fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to acne. 

Moisturizing and soothing:

Carrot seed oil can be used to soothe dry, irritated, or inflamed skin due to its emollient properties. 

Hair Benefits:

Promoting hair growth and strength:

Vitamin A, along with other nutrients in carrots, supports hair follicle health, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss.

Strengthening hair:

Carrot oil can be used to nourish and strengthen the scalp, potentially reducing hair breakage and promoting healthier hair growth.

Improving hair texture and shine:

Applying carrot oil can help improve hair texture, making it softer, smoother, and shinier.

Protecting hair from damage:

Antioxidants in carrots can help protect hair from damage caused by environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution.

Relieving dry scalp and dandruff:

Carrot oil can help stimulate sebum production, which can help relieve dry scalp and dandruff. 

What do you need.. .

*1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or your fave nut-free option

*1 medium carrot, scrubbed and chopped, about ¾ cup (175 mL)

*1 orange, peel + pith removed, reserve a strip or two of peel!

*½ inch slice fresh ginger, peeled, about 2 tsp (10 mL) chopped

*¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

*pinch nutmeg

*maple syrup or date, or agave, to taste, optional