Carrot Introduction

Carrot: Root Tuber Source of Vitamin A

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. 

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.

Sparkle
Petir

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.

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