Purple Carrot
Vegetables
Nutri-ScoreA

Purple Carrot

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Purple Carrot provides 41 kcal, 0.9g of protein, 9.6g of carbohydrates, and 2.8g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Purple carrots are a vibrant variety of the common carrot, rich in anthocyanins, which provide antioxidant properties and contribute to their unique color. They are a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, offering a range of vitamins and minerals.

Also known as:
Violet CarrotBlack Carrot
Scientific NameDaucus carota subsp. sativus
Region of OriginMiddle East

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories41 kcal
Water
88.3%
Fiber2.8g
Total10.7g
Protein
0.9g(8%)
Fats
0.2g(2%)
Carbohydrates
9.6g(90%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin A835 µg (93%)
Vitamin C5.9 mg (7%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DVNone registered

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Potassium320 mg (7%)
Calcium33 mg (3%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health and immune function.
May improve heart health by supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort due to high fiber content.
!Individuals with certain allergies should consult a healthcare provider before consumption.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best enjoyed raw in salads, roasted for enhanced sweetness, or blended into smoothies. Washing thoroughly before consumption is recommended.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose firm, smooth purple carrots with vibrant color and no signs of wilting or soft spots.

How to Store

Store in the refrigerator in a perforated bag to maintain moisture and freshness.

Myths vs Realities

MythPurple carrots are genetically modified.
RealityPurple carrots are a natural variety of carrots that have been cultivated for centuries and are not genetically modified.
MythAll carrots are orange.
RealityCarrots come in various colors, including purple, yellow, and white, each with unique nutritional benefits.
MythEating carrots will improve your night vision.
RealityWhile carrots are high in Vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, they do not specifically improve night vision.

Healthy Recipes

Roasted Purple Carrot and Quinoa Salad

A vibrant salad featuring roasted purple carrots and protein-packed quinoa, tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups purple carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sliced purple carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. 2. In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked.
  3. 3. In a large bowl, combine roasted carrots, cooked quinoa, lemon juice, and parsley. Toss well and serve warm or chilled.

Purple Carrot and Ginger Soup

A creamy and comforting soup made with purple carrots and a hint of ginger, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients
  • 4 purple carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add grated ginger and chopped purple carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes.
  2. 2. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until carrots are tender.
  3. 3. Blend the soup until smooth, stir in coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Purple Carrot Hummus

A colorful twist on traditional hummus, this purple carrot version is packed with nutrients and perfect for dipping.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked purple carrots, mashed
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a food processor, combine mashed purple carrots, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
  2. 2. Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
  3. 3. Serve with fresh vegetables or whole-grain pita chips.

Purple Carrot and Apple Slaw

A refreshing slaw combining the sweetness of purple carrots and apples, dressed in a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups purple carrots, grated
  • 1 apple, grated
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine grated purple carrots and apple.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Purple Carrot and Lentil Curry

A hearty and flavorful curry featuring purple carrots and lentils, simmered in a fragrant coconut sauce.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup purple carrots, diced
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add diced purple carrots and curry powder, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  2. 2. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  3. 3. Season with salt and serve warm with rice or naan.

Purple Carrot Smoothie Bowl

A nutritious smoothie bowl made with purple carrots, banana, and almond milk, topped with fresh fruits and seeds.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup purple carrots, steamed and cooled
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • Toppings: sliced fruits, nuts, and seeds
Instructions
  1. 1. In a blender, combine steamed purple carrots, banana, almond milk, and chia seeds. Blend until smooth.
  2. 2. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with your choice of sliced fruits, nuts, and seeds.
  3. 3. Enjoy immediately as a healthy breakfast or snack.

Grilled Purple Carrot Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with grilled purple carrots and topped with avocado and cilantro, perfect for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups purple carrots, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Toss sliced purple carrots with olive oil, cumin, and salt.
  2. 2. Grill the carrots for about 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
  3. 3. Assemble tacos by placing grilled carrots in corn tortillas, topping with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.

Purple Carrot and Chickpea Buddha Bowl

A nourishing Buddha bowl featuring roasted purple carrots, chickpeas, and a tahini dressing, perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups purple carrots, cubed
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cubed purple carrots and chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, and salt, and spread on a baking sheet.
  2. 2. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
  3. 3. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water to thin. Serve roasted vegetables over grains of choice, drizzled with tahini dressing.

Purple Carrot Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes made with purple carrots and whole wheat flour, perfect for a healthy breakfast option.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup grated purple carrots
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 egg
  • Pinch of salt
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. 2. In another bowl, whisk together almond milk, egg, and honey. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in grated purple carrots.
  3. 3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, pour batter to form pancakes, and cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook until golden brown.

Purple Carrot and Feta Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of purple carrots, quinoa, and feta cheese, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup purple carrots, grated
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, grated purple carrots, feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Stuff the halved bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  3. 3. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the health benefits of purple carrots?

Purple carrots are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

How do purple carrots compare to orange carrots nutritionally?

While both are nutritious, purple carrots contain higher levels of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, and have a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I eat purple carrots raw?

Yes, purple carrots can be eaten raw and are delicious in salads or as snacks.

How should I store purple carrots?

Store purple carrots in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.

Are purple carrots good for weight loss?

Yes, they are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a weight loss diet.

Do purple carrots have any side effects?

Generally, they are safe to eat, but excessive consumption may cause digestive issues due to their high fiber content.

How can I incorporate purple carrots into my diet?

You can add them to salads, soups, stir-fries, or enjoy them roasted or juiced.

Are there any specific recipes for purple carrots?

Purple carrots can be used in various recipes, including roasted vegetable medleys, carrot soups, and colorful slaws.