WHY CARROTS?
Why Carrots?
When I was trying to figure out what was causing my heartburn, I discovered that tomatoes were my main trigger. At first, I thought about trying pasta sauces made from pumpkin or squash. But as I stood in the grocery store reading labels, I realized these sauces still used tomatoes as a key ingredient. It seemed like I might have to start buying Tums in bulk or give up pasta sauce altogether.
I searched the internet looking for tomato-free products. I ordered a few, but none of them captured the essence of pasta sauce. They were either too bitter with a vinegar base or tasted nothing like marinara. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment: why not create a delicious, tomato-free pasta sauce myself? After years of perfecting the recipe, I discovered that carrots are the perfect base. They blend into a similar consistency and absorb all of the essential flavors beautifully.
Creating better alternatives has driven me to help others Choose Good Food Over Medication. Simply put: Tomatoes add acidity, carrots neutralize it. Carrots are truly a humble root and act like a natural antacid, no prescription required.
5 Major Benefits of Carrots
1. Less Acidic
Our stomachs are naturally acidic to help break down food. Highly acidic foods like tomatoes can increase this acidity, leading to heartburn and the need for antacids like Tums. Carrots, on the other hand, are alkaline, meaning they help neutralize and balance the stomach's environment without increasing acidity.
2. High in Fiber
Overeating can also cause heartburn. Foods high in soluble fiber, like carrots, help you feel full sooner, reducing the pressure in your stomach and preventing food from backing up into your esophagus.
3. Rich in Minerals & Vitamins
Carrots are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Such as, vitamin A, which enhances immune health and vision, vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health, potassium to support circulation and regulate blood pressure, and fiber to aid metabolism. They also contain antioxidants that help in disease prevention by reducing oxidative stress in the body.
4. Nightshade-Free
Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, which is linked to causing inflammation. Carrots provide a nightshade-free alternative, reducing the risk of inflammatory responses.
5. Similar Taste
Carrots, when cooked properly, produce a very similar flavor to marinara. At high temperatures, they have a wonderful caramelization without the addition of added sugars allowing us to keep the sugar content low. Additionally, we found that carrots accept all of the same flavors creating a pasta sauce with a very familiar flavor. CARINARA - Carrot Marinara.
What Does CARINARA Taste Like Without Tomatoes?
If we could hand you a sample through the screen, we would! Instead, here are some raw reactions from customers at a farmer's market:
Put your Tums down and experience how good food can make you feel!