Carrot (gajar) a winter vegetable, Daucus carota, of the family Umbelliferae. Cultivated since the 16th century for its edible root. It is rich in sugar, carotene, calcium, and phosphorus. It has been divided into two groups: Asiatic and European. The Asiatic type produces roots and seeds, whereas the European type produces roots but no seeds in tropical countries. Seeds are directly sown in the field during October-December; roots are ready for harvest within three months; yields range from 5-7 m tons/ha. Carrots are used in salads, and as ingredient for soups, curries, pies, etc. They are also used for making juice along with other vegetables and as colouring material for butter and other food items. [SM Monowar Hossain]