Raw or cooked, everyone loves carrots. Here’s some carrot trivia for you to chew on.
- Though carrots have been popular all over the world for over 5000 years, only black, white, red, and purple carrots were edible until the 16th centruy. Orange carrots were created by selective breeding in Netherlands as a tribute to the ruling House of Orange. A European dynasty from the 16th to 18th century. Here’s some info about the House of Orange from Encyclopedia Brittanica.
- It wasn’t until after World War I that carrots became popular in the United States. The soldiers returned from the war with a taste for the famous European veggie & popularity grew from there.
- England used carrot leaves as a fashion statement in the 17th century. They resprouted them for decoration and made lacy accents on dresses and hats.
- An average person consumes over 10,000 carrots in their lifetime.
- 30% of American Vitamin A intake comes from carrots.
- The largest carrot measured over 19 inches, and the heaviest carrot weighed in at over 18 pounds!
A little carrot trivia to make you feel a little smarter for the day.
