Discover the colorful history of carrots! From purple roots in Central Asia to the sweet orange variety we love today.
Did you know that carrots were originally purple? Long before the vibrant orange carrots we know today became the norm, most carrots were shades of purple, yellow, or even white.
These colorful roots trace their origins back to Central Asia, where they were cultivated primarily for their seeds and leaves rather than their roots.
The familiar orange variety didn’t appear until the 16th century, when Dutch growers selectively bred them, reportedly as a tribute to the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.
This breeding not only gave us the orange color but also improved the flavor and texture of carrots. Interestingly, carrots are also biennial plants, meaning they store energy in their roots during the first year to fuel their flowering in the second year.
This energy storage is what makes carrots sweet, crunchy, and packed with nutrients – a delightful gift from both nature and centuries of cultivation!
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About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.