Purple Carrot

What Are Purple Carrots?

Purple carrot is a dark purple-skinned variety of carrot (Daucus carota); historically, it is actually one of the oldest carrot colors, while today’s orange carrot became widespread later. The skin is dark purple, while the flesh may be orange, yellow, or purplish, depending on the variety.

Unlike the beta-carotene in standard carrots, purple carrots get their color from plant pigments called anthocyanins.

Purple Carrot Nutrition

Similar to standard carrots, purple carrots contain approximately 41 kcal of energy and 2.8 g of fiber per 100 g. They also differ from orange carrots in their anthocyanin content; the exact amount of these pigments varies by variety.

What Are the Benefits of Purple Carrots?

Rich in fiber and antioxidant plant compounds, purple carrots can be considered part of a balanced diet. Research on anthocyanins is ongoing; these studies have not yet led to definitive health recommendations.

This information is general; purple carrots are a food and do not replace medical treatment.

How to Choose Purple Carrots

Fresh purple carrots are firm, have smooth skin, and feel heavy; a soft or wrinkled surface is a sign that they are no longer fresh.

• The skin should be firm and bright, with no soft spots.
• If the leafy tops are attached, they should be fresh and crisp.
• Avoid very thin or forked roots.

How to Store Purple Carrots

After removing the leaves, purple carrots stay fresh for 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator crisper drawer. The leaves draw moisture from the root, so storing them separately is recommended.

Using Purple Carrots in the Kitchen

Purple carrots are used raw in salads, in roasted vegetable dishes, and in sautés; their color stays brightest when they are eaten raw.

How to Roast Purple Carrots

Toss lengthwise-sliced carrots with olive oil, salt, and thyme, then roast in a hot oven for 20–25 minutes.

Purple Carrot Salad

Lightly toss grated or julienned purple carrots with lemon and olive oil and serve as a fresh salad; leaving them to sit for too long may cause their color to bleed onto the other ingredients.

Which Recipes Use Purple Carrots?

Purple carrot salad, roasted root vegetables, and purple carrot soup are among the common recipes that use this colorful vegetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are purple carrots good for?

Purple carrots contain fiber, vitamin C, and anthocyanins and can be considered part of a balanced diet. They are a food and are not claimed to treat disease.

What is the difference between purple and orange carrots?

The main difference is the color pigment: orange carrots contain beta-carotene, while purple carrots contain anthocyanins. Their nutritional values are largely similar.

Do purple carrots lose their color when cooked?

Boiling them for a long time can cause some of the color to leach into the water; to preserve the color, choose brief cooking or eat them raw.

Can purple carrots be eaten raw?

Yes. Purple carrots can easily be eaten raw in salads or as a crunchy snack.

Is the inside of a purple carrot also purple?

It depends on the variety; some purple carrots have orange or yellow flesh, while in others the purple color extends into the center.