When were carrots discovered?

Carrots, as we know them today, are domesticated descendants of wild carrot species, which are believed to have originated in central Asia thousands of years ago. The earliest cultivation of carrots for their root is thought to have occurred around the 10th century in Persia (regions of which are in modern-day Iran and Afghanistan). These ancient carrots were quite different from the orange carrots we are familiar with today. They were likely purple or white and sometimes thin and forked.

The orange carrot that is most commonly recognized worldwide is a result of selective breeding in the Netherlands during the 16th century. Dutch growers cultivated these orange carrots in tribute to William of Orange, who led the struggle for Dutch independence, and the color stuck as a standard over time.

It's important to note that references to carrots in history are sometimes imprecise because they are often grouped with similar roots and vegetables such as parsnips.

Extra: Carrots belong to the Apiaceae family, which also includes species like parsley, celery, and parsnip. Over centuries, carrots have been selectively bred for various traits, leading to the development of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, including purple, yellow, red, and white, in addition to the common orange.

Domestication and selective breeding have not only changed the appearance of the carrot but have also improved their flavor and texture, as wild carrots tend to be woody and bitter. Interestingly, the nutritional properties of carrots also enhanced through this process, with carrots becoming a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and most famously, beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and responsible for the orange pigment.

The cultivation of carrots spread from the Middle East and Asia to Europe by the 13th century and was well established in many European gardens by the 16th and 17th centuries. Carrots were introduced to North America during the first English colonization, and their popularity as a garden vegetable has grown since then.

Today, carrots are grown worldwide, and they are a widely consumed vegetable due to their versatility in cooking. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or used as an ingredient in soups, stews, and side dishes. Carrots are also used in sweet dishes, such as carrot cake, and are a primary commercial source for beta-carotene extraction.