Purple Carrot

What Is Purple Carrot?

Purple carrot is a dark purple-skinned variety of carrot (Daucus carota); it is in fact one of carrot's historically oldest colors, with today's orange carrot having become widespread only later. Its skin is dark purple, while the inner flesh color can be orange, yellow or close to purple depending on the variety.

Unlike the beta-carotene in standard carrot, it gets its purple color from plant pigments called anthocyanins.

Nutritional Values of Purple Carrot

Purple carrot, similar to standard carrot, contains approximately 41 kcal of energy and 2.8 g of fiber per 100 grams. It also differs from orange carrot in its anthocyanin content; the exact amount of these pigments varies by variety.

What Are the Benefits of Purple Carrot?

Rich in fiber and antioxidant plant compounds, purple carrot can be considered part of a balanced diet. Research on anthocyanins is ongoing; these studies have not yet translated into a definitive health recommendation.

This information is general; purple carrot is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Purple Carrot?

Fresh purple carrot is firm, smooth-skinned and heavy; a softened or wrinkled surface is a sign of staleness.

• The skin should be firm and glossy, with no soft spots
• If the leaf stem is present, it should be fresh and perky
• Very thin or forked roots should be avoided

How to Store Purple Carrot?

Purple carrot stays fresh in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer for 2-3 weeks after the leaves are cut off. Since the leaves draw moisture from the root, it is recommended to store them separately.

Using Purple Carrot in the Kitchen

Purple carrot is used raw in salads, in oven-roasted vegetable plates and in sautés; its color stays most vivid when eaten raw.

How to Make Roasted Purple Carrot?

Carrots sliced lengthwise are tossed with olive oil, salt and thyme, and roasted in a hot oven for 20-25 minutes.

Purple Carrot Salad

Grated or julienned purple carrot is lightly tossed with lemon and olive oil and served as a fresh salad; prolonged standing can cause the color to bleed into other ingredients.

Which Recipes Use Purple Carrot?

Purple carrot salad, roasted root vegetables and purple carrot soup are among the recipes this colorful vegetable is often used in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is purple carrot good for?

Purple carrot is a vegetable containing fiber, vitamin C and anthocyanins; it can be considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not claim to treat disease.

What is the difference between purple carrot and orange carrot?

The main difference is the color pigment; orange carrot contains beta-carotene, while purple carrot contains anthocyanins. Their nutritional values are largely similar.

Does purple carrot lose its color when cooked?

Boiling it for a long time can cause some of the color to leach into the water; shorter cooking times or raw consumption can be preferred to preserve the color.

Is purple carrot eaten raw?

Yes, purple carrot can easily be consumed raw in salads and as a crunchy snack.

Is the inside of purple carrot also purple?

It varies by variety; some purple carrots have an orange or yellow interior while in others the purple color extends all the way through.