What’s Up Doc?

I’m legally blind with cataracts, and if that wasn’t bad enough, I have teeth that would make Bugs Bunny envious. My teeth are no joke. I’ve had braces three times, and my dentist suggested Invisalign during my last check-up. Four eyes, Bucky Beaver – I’ve been called it all. With a history like mine, it’s no wonder I have a love-hate relationship with carrots.

Let’s get to the root of the problem. There is a carrot-hating commonality between most people. Some like carrots raw, others cooked, but very few people seem to like both. This polarizing phenomenon has led to several ‘I Hate Carrots’ communities across social media.

From almonds to tomatoes, we often love one version of a food (ketchup) and hate another (raw slices). Different forms of the same food can provoke divided reactions. When people say they detest cooked carrots, they generally mean boiled (although the sickly-sweet glazed variety also springs to mind). The most obvious sensory attribute that is missing is the crunch. The sound of crunching while eating enhances our perception of freshness, irrespective of taste. And our teeth and jaws appreciate foods that allow them to do some mighty chomping. A floppy carrot, therefore, can be disconcerting. After cooking, many of these attributes will be enhanced because they are being eaten warm, which brings out flavor intensities, and, in my opinion, they get extra loathsome points if they're crinkle-cut.

While cooked carrots contain better nutritional value, based on my genetic abnormalities, raw carrots seem to be better suited for my needs. While Vitamin A will keep my vision healthy but won't improve it, carrots are also touted as beneficial from breaking apart plaque. The thick texture of carrots will naturally break apart the plaque and tartar on your teeth keeping gums strong and healthy. With as many ophthalmologists and orthodontists (and bullies) I’ve met during my lifetime; I should commit to a “What’s up Doc” tattoo on my forehead to save everyone time. And if you are going to metaphorically dangle a carrot on a stick in front of me, you better make sure it's raw – unless it's roasted and crunchy with this yogurt sauce. I’ll take that punishment all day long.