Growing up we were told to eat our carrots because doing
so would improve our eyesight. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is a
naturally occurring pigment in the eye, so it made sense.
According to the the Cooking Channel's Food: Fact or Fiction?, though, you can eat all the carrots you want, but they won’t help you see better. However, rather
than a food myth perpetrated by moms trying to get their kids to each their
veggies, the idea of carrots improving eyesight was deliberate propaganda planted
by the British during World War II. The reason? To hide the development of radar
systems used in nighttime skirmishes against the Nazis. If the Germans thought
the Brits’ success was because everyone in Britain was suddenly eating lots of carrots,
they wouldn’t grow suspicious over the possibility of some new technical achievement
that was improving pilots’ accuracy.
We eat lots of fresh salad during the summer, but no
one wants to eat the same thing over and over again. So I’m always looking for
ways to come up with new twists on old standbys. Today, I’ve updated the
classic carrot and raisin salad.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
Four large carrots, grated
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins
2 nectarines, diced
2 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
Mix all ingredients together. Chill for at least an
hour before serving.
