Yes, You Can Eat Carrot Tops. No, They’re Not Poisonous! (2025)

Kelli Foster

Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor

Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.

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updated Jun 5, 2019

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Yes, You Can Eat Carrot Tops. No, They’re Not Poisonous! (1)

In all my years of eating carrots (which are many), I’ve never given a single thought to eating the leafy green tops. I’ve always cleaned and peeled my carrots, tossing away all the trimmings, because I assumed carrot greens were simply inedible. Oh how wrong I’ve been!

Are Carrot Tops Poisonous?

It has been rumored that carrot tops are poisonous and potentially deadly, but that’s actually not true. In fact, they are very edible and loaded with vitamins and minerals. There is a persistent belief that the alkaloids in carrot tops make them slightly dangerous for consumption, but this isn’t really true, as alkaloids are a substance found throughout nearly every leafy green vegetable.

  • The Toxic Salad at The New York Times – This article from 2009 was responsible for some confusion about carrot tops. It talks about the presence of alkaloids in carrot tops and other garden greenery, but remains a bit vague on whether or not carrot tops are actually safe.
  • Are Carrot Tops Toxic? (Short Answer, No) at Garden Betty – Linda Ly’s piece does a much better job of explaining the myths surrounding carrot tops. (Did you know they’re a market vegetable in Europe?)

Carrot tops are bitter, and bitterness has often been associated with poison, so we wonder if that’s half the story. But that bitterness can be put to wonderful use in the kitchen.

What Can You Do with Carrot Tops?

The leafy tops, which remind me of parsley, taste herbaceous and vaguely reminiscent of, well, carrots. They can be eaten raw in salads, although their taste can be a little bitter. Consider softening the greens by blanching them; sautéing them with olive oil, garlic, and some of your other favorite greens; or cooking them into a soup or stock.

The cookbook author and food writer Diane Morgan, author of Roots, is a fan of carrot tops, too. She shared with me a story about a recent conversation with Deborah Madison, where they talked about vegetables, and in particular, carrot tops. “We bantered about carrot tops, and root tops in general,” she told me, “and we both dispelled for the audience that carrot tops are poisonous. We laughed and said, ‘If carrot tops were poisonous, we’d both be dead by now.'”

Diane thinks it’s a waste to throw away the carrot tops. “Many root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, radishes, and beets, are grown for the roots, and the tops are discarded or composted. What a shame to waste all the nutrients and deliciousness of those bushy tops. Carrot tops, which some believe are poisonous, and they are not, are such a treat to use.”

Check out Diane’s recipe for carrot top pesto:

Get the recipe: Carrot Top Pesto at Culinate

Let’s make a pact to keep our carrot tops out of the compost pile from now on, what do you say?

5 Carrot Top Recipes to Try

Updated from a post originally published July 2010.

Yes, You Can Eat Carrot Tops. No, They’re Not Poisonous! (2025)

FAQs

Yes, You Can Eat Carrot Tops. No, They’re Not Poisonous!? ›

In fact, they are very edible and loaded with vitamins and minerals. There is a persistent belief that the alkaloids in carrot tops make them slightly dangerous for consumption, but this isn't really true, as alkaloids are a substance found throughout nearly every leafy green vegetable.

Is it safe to eat the tops of carrots? ›

And the carrot tops (AKA greens, AKA leaves) have a similar nutritional profile to carrots; they are rich in vitamin A, C, K, and potassium. Don't toss those greens. Reduce food waste by using the whole carrots and their leafy tops. Carrot tops can be used in soups, salads, and pesto, and you can also saute them.

Are there any side effects of eating carrot leaves? ›

While carrot greens do contain alkaloids, there is little evidence that they're dangerous to consume.

Which part of carrot is not edible? ›

Carrot is not at all harmful and not even the inner part of the carrot . Carrot have zero fat and it can be eaten raw in fact the whole part of carrot can be eaten and can be cooked .

Can dogs eat carrot tops? ›

Yes. Like many other fruits and vegetables, dogs get health benefits from carrots. In fact, every part of this vegetable, from the carrot itself to the leafy green tops, is safe for dogs to eat. They're a good, natural treat, and most dogs seem to like the flavor, too.

How healthy are carrot tops? ›

While bitter greens add a depth of flavour and complexity, they also aid digestion. There has been little research on the health benefits of carrot tops, but they are rich in nutrients, containing around six times more vitamin C than the root, as well as lots of potassium, calcium and phytonutrients.

Should carrot tops be removed? ›

Just cut the tops off before storing them, as the tops pull moisture from the vegetable root while in your crisper.

Which diseases can be avoided by eating carrot? ›

Health benefits of carrots
  • Reduced risk of cancer. Diets rich in carotenoids may help protect against several types of cancer. ...
  • Lower blood cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. ...
  • Weight loss. ...
  • Eye health.

What happens if we eat carrots at night? ›

And while some vegetables may not be the best thing to consume before you try to get some shut eye, carrots are one of the vegetables that will promote sleep as they contain the alpha-carotene nutrient as well as potassium.

What happens to your body when you eat carrot a day? ›

Carrots are full of benefits—they may promote healthy vision, balance your blood sugar, help with weight management, lower your risk of cancer, regulate blood pressure, reduce heart disease, improve immunity, and boost brain health. You won't regret incorporating more of this vegetable into your diet.

What is the healthiest part of a carrot? ›

Beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, is also in the peel, but the phloem has equally high amounts. Lastly, the inner core of the carrot (the xylem) has the majority of the vegetable's calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. You certainly won't peel those nutrients away.

When not to use carrots? ›

How to Tell if Carrots Are Bad. Carrots that have spoiled or gone bad will usually have an odor, a slimy texture, or dark discoloration. They may also be wilted or soft. If you see mold growing on carrots, throw them out.

What to do with tops of carrots? ›

Greens from younger carrots are milder than those from older carrots. Carrot tops are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Use them as you would parsley, or in place of parsley in recipes. Strip the leaves from the tough stems, add them to stock or soup, put them in salads, or make chimichurri.

Can dogs eat bananas? ›

In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Can dogs eat peanut butter? ›

Dogs can eat – and many really enjoy – peanut butter. But beware, some peanut butter brands contain an ingredient called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and even eating small amounts can be fatal. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often used in foods to keep the product sugar-free.

Can dogs eat watermelon? ›

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon! There are a few precautions you'll need to take though, such as removing the large seeds as these can cause an intestinal blockage if too many are consumed, particularly if your dog is a smaller breed.

What can I do with the tops of carrots? ›

Greens from younger carrots are milder than those from older carrots. Carrot tops are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Use them as you would parsley, or in place of parsley in recipes. Strip the leaves from the tough stems, add them to stock or soup, put them in salads, or make chimichurri.

Is it OK to eat a whole bag of carrots? ›

Eating carrots in moderation is good for your health. Eating carrots in excess, however, can cause a condition called carotenemia. This refers to yellowish discoloration of the skin because of the deposition of a substance called beta-carotene that is present in carrots.

Are all parts of a carrot edible? ›

The most commonly eaten part of the plant is the taproot, although the stems and leaves are also eaten. The domestic carrot has been selectively bred for its enlarged, more palatable, less woody-textured taproot.

Can you eat the stalk of a carrot? ›

Carrot roots, carrot leaves, and carrot stems are all edible. However, the part of the carrot stem that is closest to the root is typically very stiff and doesn't soften when cooking. These unused carrot stems and greens are perfect for flavoring stock.

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