The Humble Carrot’s Colorful History
From The Observatory
Arabs introduced carrots to Western Europe. There are two subspecies of domesticated carrots: D. carota sativus from Turkey and D. carota atrorubens from Iran and the Hindu Kush. Arabs cultivated sativus and brought it to Europe during their invasions, with records of its use dating back to the 10th century in an Arabic cookbook. By the 12th century, carrots were grown in Spain, and by the 14th century, they were popular in northern Europe for their sweetness, used in jams and puddings.
Carrots came in various colors like red, white, and yellow. There is a debate about when orange carrots first appeared. The Dutch played a significant role in developing the orange carrot in the 16th century, although it is a myth that they created it to honor the Dutch royal family. Instead, orange carrots became a symbol of Dutch pride and national identity.
By the 17th century, carrots were part of the diet in Europe and America. Named varieties like Early Horn and Long Orange appeared by the late 18th century. The Dutch also contributed to the carrot's history through extensive breeding, leading to many modern orange varieties. Genetic studies show purple carrots from Afghanistan mutated into yellow, then orange carrots.
Different carrot varieties developed over time, such as Nantes and Imperator types, suited for various climates and storage needs. Traditional varieties remain popular alongside modern ones due to their unique flavors and historical significance. The love for carrots and their colorful varieties continues to thrive globally, reflecting their cultural importance and the success of centuries of breeding.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
