Purple Carrots Delivery or Pickup

While most Americans consider the carrot to be orange, carrots were originally purple or yellow. Most scientists agree that the orange carrot was likely no more than the result of a genetic mutation of the yellow carrot, not by design. The Persian Empire first domesticated purple carrots on the Iranian Plateau in the 10th century AD. Since then, purple carrot cultivation expanded to Europe and China in the 1300s. 

Orange carrots cropped up in parts of Europe during the 1500s and somehow overtook the purple carrot in Europe and eventually in North and South America. But the purple carrot remained a staple in the Middle East and Asia. Today, orange, yellow, and white carrots are considered Western carrots, while red and purple carrots are considered Eastern carrots.

Purple carrots have been in farmers' markets across the United States for years, although some viewed them with skepticism until recently. Nobody knows why purple carrots fell out of favor in the U.S. Some believe they have better flavor than orange carrots, and studies have supported this notion. Many think the purple carrot's tendency to leach its dark pigment into dishes led to its decline in popularity. Another idea stems from the fact that orange carrots are easier to grow than purple carrots.

All carrots, regardless of color, are rich in vitamins and minerals. The color of purple carrots comes from anthocyanin, a well-known antioxidant. Scientists believe that anthocyanin helps the body fight diseases like cancer and heart disease, and fight inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that purple carrots contain twice the amount of alpha and beta carotene than orange carrots, which our body converts to Vitamin A.

The purple carrot arrives at your grocery store ready to eat. Carrots of any color are roots that live underground, and the longer they live, the bigger they grow. If farmers want to grow baby carrots, they simply pick them young. If a farmer wishes to sell bigger carrots, they let them grow longer. Fresh purple carrots come with the green stem attached, much like the one Bugs Bunny holds. 

As with any root vegetable like potatoes or beets, carrots can spoil. When buying fresh purple carrots, you want to be sure they are firm and without cuts or other marring on the surface. The skin of the purple carrot acts as a barrier to moisture and other bio-intruders. Carrots have dirt on the edible root because they grow in the ground. Carrots get cleaned by brushes but not with water before shipping to your neighborhood grocer. Purple carrots should not be mushy or soft to the touch.

Purple carrots will keep for months if stored correctly in a cool, dry place like a root cellar, although most people don't have a root cellar. On your counter, they can last a week or two. In your refrigerator, purple carrots can last up to four weeks in a sealed plastic bag. Freezing purple carrots can extend their life up to six months or more if you use a vacuum-sealed bag. You should never wash your purple carrots until you're ready to eat them. 

Shopping for purple carrots has never been easier than with the Instacart app. After you've added the purple carrots to your shopping cart and checked out, an Instacart shopper will prepare your order. In most cases, your order will be ready for in-store pick-up in as little as 2 hours! Some orders may qualify for same-day delivery.