Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Why Purple Carrots Are Awesome
The fact that I can buy purple carrots for the same price as orange carrots is a marvel to me. Why?
1. Because purple carrots have a gazillion times more antioxidants than orange carrots.
Well, 2x more beta carotene and 28x more anthocyanins, anyway. They're not only good for your eyes, but your liver, your heart, and your glucose; they can help reduce inflammation in the body, and mop up free radicals. And there's scientific evidence to say so.
2. Because your average curry will look other-worldly with purple carrots in it.
3. Because they taste great, of course.
My favourite ways to enjoy carrots?
Roasted carrots, with olive oil and sea salt.
My mother-in-law's famous carrot cake with walnuts.
Spelt and carrot muffins.
Refreshing grated carrot salad.
That special cake I just made for Nelle's birthday (recipe coming soon!)
Orange and carrot juice for breakfast.
Carrot juice popsicles, with a dash of honey.
Want to read more? Here are some other recipes for purple carrots, from some of my favourite blogs:
Carrot thyme loaf - le Delicieux (where Jennifer also gave props to purple carrots!)
Baked carrots - 101 Cookbooks (Heidi was on to these in 2006!)
Black rice and purple carrot salad - Scandi Foodie
Do you have a favourite purple carrot recipe? If so, link to it in the comments - we'd love to hear about it!
Amanda xx
PS. Currently I get purple carrots from the farmer's markets - or Woolies in Australia sells non-organic ones!
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27 comments:
I've never tasted a purple carrot and I'm really intrigued now. Would love to see what your MIL's carrot cake looks like made with these beauties.
I don't have a favorite recipe, but love this post! I bet my kids would love a cream of carrot soup - that was purple!! I'll have to keep an eye out for some next time I'm at the market.
I had no idea they were so super healthy! I liked them because they are sooooo preeety :-)
@The Vanilla Bean Baker Paula - I might experiment with a couple of purple carrot cakes ... the one I made for Nelle I did with wholemeal flour and it came out kinda brown. The icing, however, was a lovely shade of pink! And not a drop of red40 anywhere :)
@Deliciously Organic Thanks, Carrie! Yep, there's nothing like giving kids something that's purple and *natural* to get them enthused :) Can't wait to see what goodies you'll come up with ... mmmmm ....
@broderickphotography Oh, yes! They're the dark chocolate of the produce world ... or something.
We used to get the odd bunch when we would get our Food Connect Box here in Adelaide. My 3 year old started eating raw carrot thanks to the purple carrots ..... yay for them being her favourite colour!!! I love purple carrots.
Yay for purple carrots!!!! So great to see you love them as much as I do. By the way, I love your photos too, they show the carrots off fantastically.
Thanks for linking to my carrot loaf too!
@Beck I know. Shame on those Dutch for orange-itising carrots. Think of all those millions of purple-loving children whose lives may have been changed ...
@Jennifer (Delicieux) Thank you, Jennifer - and my pleasure! x
I didn't realise they were higher in antioxidants than orange ones - great info. I haven't done purple carrots yet - think I may need to. Lovely pics Amanda.
@Sherilyn @ Wholepromise Do it! :)
I grew purple carrots in my garden this year. Loved the beautiful colors but I need to figure out how to get them to grow large and hearty like these. Mine were skinny!
@Carissa @ Pretty/Hungry Yeah, I wonder what makes a carrot skinny vs plump? I'm still learning when it comes to gardening, but I figure chicken poo and water should solve everything, right?
I have never seen purple carrots and they look so beautiful!! Would love to cook with it :)
You've inspired me. Sowing some purple dragon carrot seeds in a big pot today.
WHat is in the canning jar? Looks beautiful.
Hi Ng, It's a coconut curry made with purple carrots! Pretty fun eating purple Indian food, I must say. ;)
@Amanda @ Easy Peasy Organic
Do you have a recipe?
I don't really like carrots but love purple carrots. I think it's because they look so exotic and alien that it makes eating them fun for me. Knowing how healthy they are is a sure plus. When I saw them at my Farmer's Market for the same price as regular carrots, I had to ask because I didn't believe it, but sure enough, they were. I was stoked. Yay for purple carrots!
@ng I'll work on that for you ... :)
@Anonymous Now THAT is what I call bargain hunting!
I mush some up with mashed potato, or make a purple carrot and onion puree. It is fun to eat such vividly coloured food.
I will be including more purple carrots in my diet for sure... Great post
@Andrew Purple carrot and onion! sounds devine :)
I brought them at Coles and the kids loved them even though they usually don't eat carrots.
I have bought purple carrots a couple of times. I love the colour but I haven't found that they taste as much as the orange ones. Anyone else find this? In the meantime I will keep trying them.
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