Winter carrots are very tasty. Carrots must shield themselves from the cold to survive.
Why does cold weather sweeten carrots? Frost explains it.
According to University of California Research, frost can damage and kill plant cells. Converting starch into sugar protects the carrot.
The carrot's sugar concentration reduces its freezing point, preventing ice crystals from forming inside and preventing frost from damaging its cells.
According to the Washington Post, parsnips and other winter vegetables develop this protective sweetness.
Fortunately, this extra sugar makes the carrot sweeter and tastier