Today, we don't labor under such constraints.
Carrots are a good example.
Its value in cooking came later, and today, of course, everyone loves to eat carrots, perhaps because the baby-boom generation was indoctrinated by Bugs Bunny cartoons. They are also good sources of potassium, phosphorus, vitamins C, E and B1, calcium and dietary fiber. In the store, look for carrots that are slender and firm, with a deep, ruddy color. Wrapped in plastic, carrots will last several weeks in your refrigerator's hydrator. Older carrots should be scrubbed and lightly peeled.