20 Cool Facts about Carrots

Wikifarmer

Editorial team

2 min read
06/09/2024
20 Cool Facts about Carrots
  1. The carrot (Daucus carota) is a member of the Apiaceae family, including parsley, celery, and parsnips.
  2. They were first domesticated in Persia (modern-day Iran and Afghanistan) over 1,000 years ago.
  3. The modern orange carrot was developed in the Netherlands during the 17th century.
  4. Carrots come in various colors, including orange, purple, yellow, red, and white.
  5. A single cup of raw carrots provides over 400% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A.
  6. Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body.
  7. The orange color of carrots is due to high levels of beta-carotene.
  8. Carrots contain about 3.6 grams of dietary fiber per cup, which is approximately 0.127 ounces.
  9. They are low in calories, with only about 52 calories per cup of raw carrots.
  10. Carrots have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for people with diabetes.
  11. They are also a good source of vitamin K, essential for bone health and blood clotting.
  12. Carrots are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
  13. They contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
  14. Carrots can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced, or baked into desserts like carrot cake.
  15. The world’s largest producer of carrots is China, followed by the United States and Uzbekistan.
  16. Carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks to retain freshness.
  17. They can be blanched and frozen to extend their shelf life while preserving nutrients.
  18. We commonly eat the taproot or edible part of the carrot, but the greens are also edible and can be used in salads or pestos.
  19. In French cuisine, carrots are a key ingredient in mirepoix, a base for many soups, stews, and sauces.
  20. The longest carrot recorded was over 20 feet (6.245 meters) long, and it was grown by Joe Atherton in the UK in 2016.