International Carrot Day
Today We Celebrate the Mighty Carrrot
Let’s catch up on our carrot trivia:
Fun Facts
Domesticated carrots are 1000 years old and originate near Afghanistan. Wild carrots date back to 3000-5000 BC in Europe.
Carrots are closely related to parsley and coriander and were cultivated for their leaves, not the actual root or carrot.
Carrots reached Europe during the Middle Ages, eventually reaching the Americas through Europeans.
China is the leading producer of carrots, accounting for 45% of global production.
Early carrots were usually purple, yellow, red, and sometimes white. Cross-pollination of the variety of colors created the orange color we know today, which was first introduced by the Dutch during the 17th century.
5 Types of Carrots
Danvers—also called long-halves, are a long and skinny carrots that most people are familiar with. Danvers are one of the only carrots that can grow in poor soil.
Nantes—are a round carrot that has as sweet, crunchy bite. These carrots tend to mature, or grow faster than any other carrot.
Chantenay—carrots are considered the best carrot to grow in containers or rocky soil. They grow to about 6 to 7 inches in length and are slightly skinny.
Imperator—carrots are what most commercial growers produce. These carrots are the most common carrot found in grocery stores. They are a fast growing carrot that contains higher levels of sugar than any other carrot.
Ball or Mini carrots—are smaller carrots that have more of a circular shape similar to a radish. This carrot type grows really well in containers and is a favorite for people living in small spaces or apartments.
Health Benefits
Carrots are full of amazing health benefits. We all know they promote healthy vision. They balance your blood sugar making them great snack alternative for diabetics. Carrots have also been known to help lower blood pressure and improve immunity.