That Carrots Weren’t Originally Orange?

 

When we think of carrots today, the first picture that comes to mind is a crunchy orange vegetable. But did you know that carrots were not always orange? In fact, the earliest carrots were purple, yellow, red, and even white. The orange carrot that we see in markets today is actually a much later development.

Carrots were first grown thousands of years ago in Central Asia, especially in areas like Afghanistan. Historical records show that the first varieties of carrots were purple or yellow. These early carrots looked very different from the smooth, bright orange ones we eat now. They were often thinner, more bitter, and not as sweet.

So, how did carrots become orange? The answer lies in history and human choice. Around the 16th and 17th centuries, Dutch farmers started to grow and selectively breed carrots. They chose carrots with more beta-carotene (a natural pigment that gives orange color) and created the orange carrot as we know it. Some historians also say that the Dutch made orange carrots as a tribute to the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange. This is why orange carrots became so popular across Europe.

Over time, orange carrots spread worldwide and became the standard variety. People preferred them because they were sweeter, less bitter, and easier to grow in large amounts. Today, when we say “carrot,” we mostly think of the orange kind.

Interestingly, other colors of carrots still exist. You can find purple, red, yellow, and even black carrots in different parts of the world. These colorful carrots are not just beautiful but also healthy, as each color has unique nutrients and antioxidants.

So, the next time you eat an orange carrot, remember—it is a result of history, farming, and tradition. Carrots didn’t start orange; humans made them that way!