Carrots are root vegetables that have long and round shapes, with blunt to pointed lower ends, and reddish yellow or yellowish orange in color. Carrots are a source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are beneficial for maintaining eye health, strengthening the immune system, and protecting against various degenerative diseases. Carrots are cultivated to produce crunchy and sweet tubers. Carrots can be processed into a variety of foods, from salads, juices, to delicious cakes.
Nama Binomial
Daucus carota L.
Klasifikasi Ilmiah
Kingdom
Plantae
Subkingdom
Tracheobionta
Superdivisi
Spermatophyta
Divisi
Magnoliophyta
Kelas
Magnoliopsida
Subkelas
Rosidae
Ordo
Apiales
Famili
Apiaceae
Genus
Daucus
Spesies
Daucus carota L.
Origin of the Carrot
From Central Asia to Indonesia
Carrots originated in Central Asia, specifically Iran and Afghanistan. Carrot seeds have been found in prehistoric human settlements dating back 4,000 to 5,000 years.Â
From its native region, carrots spread around the world through trade and exploration. Traders and explorers brought carrots to various regions, including Europe, Africa and the Americas. The orange carrots found in Indonesia today originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century.
Fun Facts
Carrots were first domesticated in the Mediterranean and Central Asian regions about 5,000 years ago.
History
The first cultivated carrots were purple and yellow in color. Orange carrots, as we know them today, have only been well documented since the 15th century in Europe.
Nutrient Content of Carrots
Per (100 gram)
Protein
1 gr
Fat
0,6 gr
Carbohydrate
7,9 gr
Fiber
1 gr
Calcium
45 mg
Phosphor
74 mg
Sodium
70 mg
Copper
0,06 mg
Zinc
0,3 mg
Potassium
245 mg
Iron
1 mg
Vitamin B1
0,04 mg
Vitamin B2
0,04 mg
Vitamin B3
1 mg
Vitamin C
18 mg
Key Health Benefits
Optimizes eye health
The vitamin content in carrots, especially vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin have antioxidant properties that can minimize the risk of various eye diseases, such as night blindness, astigmatism, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Maintain a healthy digestive system
Carrots are high in fiber and water, which can make stools softer and denser, facilitate bowel movements, and prevent the risk of constipation. Carrots are also rich in prebiotic substances that can maintain the balance of good microflora in the gut.
Maintains the immune system
Regular consumption of carrots can make the body more resistant to various causes of disease.
Controls blood sugar levels
With its high fiber and antioxidant content, carrots can also minimize the risk of insulin resistance, which plays a role in the development of diabetes.
Minimizes the risk of diabetes
High in fiber and antioxidants, carrots also minimize the risk of obesity.
Carrot Varieties
Carrot Varieties You Should Know
Imperator variety
Has a less sweet flavor and the flesh is quite hard so when chewed it feels crunchy. It is easy to cultivate and can be stored for a long time due to its low sugar content. These carrots are cheap because they are less favored.
Chantenay variety
These carrots are widely favored for their sweet taste especially after boiling. These carrots are perfect for hodgepodge.
Nantes variety
These carrots are tender, juicy and have a sweet flavor with a soft texture that can be made into juice. These carrots have a high price because they are in high demand.
Danvers variety
These carrots are quickly harvested in 65 days, have a smooth texture, sweet taste and fragrant aroma.
Mini variety
Has a small size with a length of only 3-5 cm.
You Should Know
Carrots that we often see are orange carrots. But there are other carrots that are purple, yellow, and white. There are a total of 20 species of carrots around the world.
Economic and Market Potential
Carrots: A Vegetable Commodity with Promising Prospects
Carrots are a vegetable with bright economic prospects. With a Break Event Point (BEP) of Rp 1,000 to Rp 1,200 per kg, farmers usually sell carrots for Rp 3,000 per kg.
Mandala, a Berastagi farmer, said that planting carrots on 15 ha of land generates an income of around Rp 50 million per month.
Export Value
Indonesia has exported carrots to several countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.
Fun Facts
Carrot exports are still dominated by North Sumatra, accounting for 97% of the 12.2 tons exported.
Read More Articles about Carrot at KebunIndo
Explore more articles about carrot commodities on KebunIndo. Learn more about the other exciting information related to carrots.