When you think of carrots, chances are you only picture the classic bright orange ones. But orange carrots are actually the newcomers in carrot history! For centuries, carrots have grown in shades of purple, yellow, white, red and even black, and they all come with their very own set of nutrients that are extremely beneficial for your health.
So why did orange become the most popular?
A Royal Twist in History
Back in the 17th century Europe, William of Orange led his nation to independence from the Spanish Empire. The Dutch were feeling especially proud of their prince, and legend has it that they started growing and celebrating orange carrots as a patriotic nod to him. They quickly became the carrot of choice across Europe, and eventually, the world.
Those colourful ancestors didn’t disappear, however… Farmers like ours have kept the rainbow alive and thriving, and you can enjoy a mix of orange, yellow, purple and soon, red carrots right here at Spray-Free Farmacy. 🌈
🌈 Eat the Rainbow, Reap the Benefits
Did you know that each colour has a different health benefit for your body?
🧡 Orange carrots: High in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Great for your eyes and immune system. (Fun fact: eat too many and you might notice a temporary orange glow in your skin!)
💛 Yellow carrots: Contain lutein and beta-carotene, antioxidants that are linked to healthy vision and protecting your eyes as you age.
💜 Purple carrots: Packed with anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant thought to fight inflammation and support heart health.
❤️ Red carrots: Red carrots are a powerhouse of fibre, potassium, biotin, and vitamins K, B6, and C. But here’s their standout: molybdenum, an essential mineral (like iron) that activates key enzymes to help your body detoxify and flush out harmful compounds.
Why Spray-Free Carrots Taste Better 🥕
If you buy supermarket carrots, you might have noticed that they’re pretty lacklustre when it comes to flavour. And you’d be right. Supermarket supply chains often prioritise speed, shelf life, and aesthetic perfection over flavour. The result is carrots that can be watery, bitter... or just plain boring.
Our carrots come straight from local, organic and spray-free farmers who grow everything with care in rich soil that hasn’t been depleted with nasty chemicals, so what you taste is how carrots should taste: sweet, crisp, earthy, and full of flavour.
Crispy Rainbow Carrot Fries Recipe 🍟
Want a fun way to show off your colourful carrots? Try these crispy carrot fries. They’re kid-friendly, perfect as a side, or just for snacking.
You’ll need:
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4 - 5 large carrots (a mix of colours for the rainbow effect)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper
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A small handful of chopped parsley
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Optional: grated parmesan
Method:
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Preheat oven to 200°C.
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Wash and slice carrots into sticks (no need to peel if they’re spray-free).
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Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley.
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Spread on a tray lined with baking paper and bake for 20–25 mins until golden and crisp on the edges.
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Top with extra parsley and a little parmesan if you like.
Serve with our new Gevity Mayo, and you’ve got yourself a treat that’s as healthy as it is tasty.
Eating the rainbow isn’t just about making your plate look good—it’s one of the best ways to give your body a wide variety of nutrients and health benefits. Each colour offers something unique, and together they make your microbes thrive as much as possible!
We hope this inspires you to be a little more adventurous in the kitchen. Challenge yourself to cook with different coloured carrots (and other fruit and veg!) and see how much more depth it brings to your dishes.
👉 Check out our fresh, organically grown carrots here.
References
Taylor, Anna. “Reasons Why Carrots (of All Colors) Are Healthy For You.” Cleveland Clinic, 23 Mar. 2021.
“A Short History of Carrots — and Why Heritage Varieties Are Making a Comeback.” The Seed Collection Pty Ltd., 28 Feb. 2018.