International Carrot Day

International Carrot Day pays homage to the humble yet mighty carrot. This root vegetable can be found all over the world and is a staple in many dishes. Carrots can be found in any type of food, such as salad, soup, entrees, desserts and as juice. (Try juiced carrots and oranges together – delicious!). They are crunchy, tasty, and highly nutritious.

Carrots are a particularly good source of beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. Carrots also have number of health benefits. They’re a weight-loss-friendly food and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health. What’s more, their carotene antioxidants have been linked to a reducedrisk of cancer.

Carrots are found in many colors, including yellow, white, orange, red, and purple. Did you know that originally carrots were not orange? Up until the middle ages, carrots were mostly purple. It was only in recent centuries that farmers cultivated orange carrots.

Orange carrots get their bright color from beta carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient promotes good vision and is important for growth, development, and immune function.

Today, embrace the crunch and munch on some nutritious carrots!