Carrots Were Originally Purple — Not Orange

The orange carrot is actually a relatively modern invention. Wild carrots were originally purple, yellow, and white — the orange variety was selectively bred in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Some historians believe Dutch growers cultivated orange carrots to honor William of Orange and the Dutch royal family, though this theory is debated.

Orange carrots became popular because they were sweeter and less bitter than other varieties. Purple carrots contain anthocyanins (the same pigments in blueberries), while orange carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which gives them their color and is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Purple carrots are making a comeback in specialty markets today.