People probably first cultivated the carrot thousands of years ago, in the area now known as Afghanistan. It was a small, forked purple or yellow root with a bitter, woody flavor, quite different from the carrot we know today.
Purple, red, yellow, and white carrots were grown long before the appearance of the sweet, crunchy, and aromatic orange carrot that is now popular. This type was developed and stabilized by Dutch growers in the 16th and 17th centuries.
This feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods.
Find out more about the nutrients in carrots, their health benefits, tips for eating more carrots, and any precautions.
Fast facts on carrots:
Here are some key points about carrots. More detail is in the main article.
- Carrots were first grown in Asia, and they were not orange.
- Carrots contain antioxidants, which may protect against cancer.
- While they may not help you see in the dark, the vitamin A in carrots helps prevent vision loss.
- Carrots are available all year round and can be used in savory dishes, cakes, and juices.
