Orange Carrot Vs Red Carrot: Learn The Differences Between Carrot Varieties
It has been argued that orange carrots are superior to red carrots.
However, it’s not always true.
Red carrots deserve more credit than they receive and in this article, I am going to compare and contrast red and orange carrots so that you can make your own decision.
What is special about orange carrots?
Orange carrots have been cultivated for so long.
They have been around since the time of the Roman Empire, and they were first cultivated in Afghanistan.
Orange carrots have a sweeter taste than other carrot varieties and are good for you!
They contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps to fight off cancer and heart disease.
They are also a rich source of vitamins K and B6, as well as potassium, manganese, and folate.
Orange carrots are easy to grow in your garden if you live in an area that’s warm enough for them to thrive.
They need full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade.
They like soil that is well-drained but moist—not too dry or too wet.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to boost the nutritional value of your dishes and get some crazy colors on the plate at the same time, orange carrots are your go-to choice.
What is special about red carrots?
Red carrots are a variety of purple carrots, but red carrots are a more recent discovery.
Red carrots were first cultivated in the Netherlands in the 16th century and they have been used in Europe ever since.
Today, they’re also grown in North America and Asia.
They’re rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene that our bodies turn into vitamin A which is essential for vision as well as helping us fight infections like colds or flu.
They’re often used as garnishes for salads or sandwiches and are great for adding color to dishes like soups or stews.
Red carrots can also be roasted or boiled into soups and purees!
What are the differences between orange carrots and red carrots?
Back when these vegetables first appeared on our dinner tables during medieval times, no one could quite figure out what purpose they served other than simply being decorative items meant for decoration purposes only (think about how we use flowers in bouquets).
It wasn’t until later that we discovered how nutritious this vegetable truly was specifically its high levels of beta-carotene content that contribute towards maintaining healthy eyesight throughout adulthood.
So about carrot varieties?
How are they different from each other?
Orange carrots have a high concentration of beta-carotene
Orange carrots have a higher concentration of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant, meaning it can neutralize free radicals that damage cells and slow down aging.
Humans produce their own vitamin A from beta-carotene, however, so eating orange carrots won’t make up for a lack of green leafy vegetables or other sources of this important nutrient.
Red carrots contain anthocyanin which is an antioxidant
Anthocyanin, the antioxidant that gives red carrots their characteristic color, is known for its ability to lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Additionally, anthocyanins have been linked to improved eye health and reduced inflammation.
The recommended daily intake of anthocyanin is about 0.5 mg per pound of body weight for adults.
Red carrots are sweeter than orange carrots
Red carrots are sweeter than orange carrots.
However, the taste of orange carrots turn out to be more pleasant than the red variety in fact.
This also one of the reasons that make orange carrots a more popular choice amongst housewives.
Orange carrots are more nutrient-dense than red carrots
Orange carrots are more nutrient-dense than red carrots.
This means that orange carrots have a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
They contain significantly higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene than red carrots.
Orange carrots also have a lower calorie content than red carrots—which is why they’re considered a healthy food!
For example:
- Orange carrot = 6 calories per 100g (roughly 1/4 cup)
- Red carrot = 8 calories per 100g (roughly 1/4 cup)
Orange carrots are more available all year round
On the market, you will be likely to find orange carrots more frequently than red carrots.
This is because red carrots are often harvested in cold weather (winter), while orange carrots are sold throughout the year in any season.
This can explain why red carrots are often a little pricier than the orange counterpart.
What are the similarities between orange carrots and red carrots?
Both orange and red carrots contain a high concentration of beta-carotene.
They also both contain anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant that can prevent inflammation and help fight cancer.
Both are sweet with more sugar than white carrots, but they’re also nutritious.
They are used the same ways too, such as stewing, grilling, boiling roasting, or stir-frying for cooking, or serving raw in a salad or as a decoration.
Conclusion
| 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Carrots Bag, 80 Ounce | Carrot Organic |
 |  |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
We know that carrots in general are a very nutritious vegetable, but there’s a lot of debate about which kind is best.
Both orange and red carrots have their own unique health benefits and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
If you are looking for something different than what your grocery store has to offer, then we recommend trying both red and orange carrots in order to see which one works best for your needs!