COLLEGE STATION — A name search is under way for a special carrot developed by Dr. Leonard Pike, director of the Texas A&M University Vegetable Improvement Center.
Consider that this carrot is higher in beta carotene than the normal carrots, and it’s sweeter. But most importantly, this carrot is — Texas A&M maroon.
Pike has joined with Progressive Farmer magazine for the Name That Carrot contest. The winner will receive the Progressive Farmer Cookbook and “Cornerstones,” a “collection of wisdom” from the magazine’s back page.
Seed for the new maroon carrot is expected to be available to commercial growers for planting next spring. The initial crop was planted in South Texas last September.
Pike hopes that the quality carrot with a catchy name will gain a national market.
Ideas should be sent by Dec. 1 to Name That Carrot, Progressive Farmer Magazine, 6502 Slide Rd., Suite 420, Lubbock, Texas 79424.
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