Celebrate the carrot this World Carrot Day

They can be orange, yellow, purple or pink, but no matter the colour, the world loves the humble carrot.

So much so that International Carrot Day is commemorated annually on 4 April, with foodies around the world whipping up their favourite carrot-inspired dishes in honour of this ancient vegetable.

Originating in Persia, modern-day Iran, carrots were originally cultivated for their aromatic leaves and seeds, rather than the roots which is what we eat today.

But what is odd about this root crop that grows in a variety of colours, including the most common orange version?

It is that it was first grown for medicinal purposes, and as early as the 10th Century, the wild carrot was being used to ease childbirth for women.

Here are three interesting carrot facts:

1. There are more types of carrots than you have ever imagined. Long Oranges, tiny and stout Early Short Horns, thin Half-Long Horns, the giant Jaune Obtuse du Doubs, fat Danvers, long and skinny Imperators, round Paris Markets, perfectly even Berlicums, Crème de Lite, Sirkana, Top Cut, Red Core Chantenay, Scarlet Nantes and, in the spirit of Game of Thrones, Little Finger – a small orange specimen developed in France.

2. Carrots are made up of 88% water. In comparison, on average humans are made of only 60% water.

3. Carrots contain the richest sources of beta-carotene, the chemical that gives fruit and vegetables a yellow-orange pigment that turns into vitamin A in our systems. While it won’t make you see in the dark, beta-carotene does help with eyesight, as well as boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

In South Africa, the most popular carrot dishes are glazed carrots, curried carrot salad, coleslaw and the globally popular carrot cake.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer