National Carrot Day

3rd February

Carrots been eaten for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks grew them as did the Romans however the carrots back then were white, purple, red or yellow....not orange.

Orange carrots as we know them, were first  bred in the 1500s by Dutch scientists and although the main purpose was to create a sweeter more palatable root, the new variety was adopted as the national vegetable and the emblem of the Dutch Royal House of Orange.

Their royal connections don't stop there. They are also said to have been a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, and even the wild carrot, despite being no better than a weed, bears a royal name – Queen Anne’s Lace.

Nutritionally, carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant which is linked with reducing the risk of heart disease as well as being beneficial to the eyes. They are also a good source of fibre, potassium and Vitamin C and  contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and calcium.

Around 75g/3oz  or 3 heaped tablespoons of fresh sliced carrots count towards one of the recommended 5-a-day and at less than 30 calories are an excellent option.

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