Currently gaining popularity carrot unaccustomed purple. Let's try to figure out what, apart from the color of the root, it differs from the classic varieties of carrots, which have useful and possibly unpleasant properties.
Description
In terms of botany purple carrot it belongs to the same subspecies as the usual carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) and is a biennial herb with a powerful root and characteristic feathery leaves. Externally, it differs only in the purple color of the root. There is an assumption that such a carrot was cultivated several thousand years ago. 
Did you know? In ancient sources described carrots of red and yellow. On one ancient Egyptian mural depicts a light purple root vegetable. Habitual orange varieties were bred in the Netherlands relatively recently - in the XVII century, their colors corresponded to the dynastic colors of the Orange dynasty, a representative of which at that time ruled the country.
Popular varieties
The purple variety of carrots cannot yet boast such a number of varieties as the classic one. However, at present, some varieties are already available to amateur gardeners.
We advise you to read about such varieties of carrots as: "Samson", "Shantane 2461" and black carrots.
"Purple Elixir"
Root crops of this variety have a purple color. They are trichromatic in section: orange core, yellow intermediate and purple-violet outer layers. 
"Dragon"
This variety is distinguished by its roots with rich violet color with a yellow-orange core. They are sweet to the taste and especially rich in vitamins of group A. 
"Cosmic Purple"
This carrot belongs to the early ripening varieties. At the root of purple is only a rather thin skin, inside the same vegetable has a classic orange color, so that when cleaning it can turn from purple to ordinary carrots. 
Composition and calorie
The composition of this carrot is rich in minerals. 100 g of raw product contains the following substances:
- 200 mg of potassium;
- 63 mg of chlorine;
- 55 mg of phosphorus;
- 38 mg of magnesium;
- 27 mg of calcium;
- 21 mg of sodium;
- 6 mg of sulfur;
- 0.7 mg of iron;
- 0.4 mg zinc;
- 0.3 mg of aluminum;
- 0.2 mg manganese;
- 0.2 mg of boron;
- 99 mcg of vanadium;
- 80 mcg copper;
- 55 µg of fluorine;
- 20 mcg of molybdenum;
- 6 μg of nickel;
- 6 mcg of lithium;
- 5 mcg of iodine;
- 3 mcg of chromium;
- 2 mcg cobalt;
- 0.1 mcg selenium.
Learn also the beneficial properties of potatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, red onions, saffron, rutabagas and tomatoes.
This variety is especially rich in vitamins A (ER) (2 mg per 100 g) and C (5 mg), as well as beta-carotene (12 mg). In addition, the composition contains vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9) and vitamins E, K, PP, N. It should be noted that beta-carotene in violet varieties contains more than the traditional ones. 
The caloric content of 100 grams of raw vegetables is 35 kcal. It includes:
- 1.3 g of proteins;
- 5.7-6.9 g of carbohydrates;
- 0.1 g fat;
- 2.4 g dietary fiber;
- 1 g of ash;
- 86.6-88 g of water.
Important! The anthocyanins contained in the root crop give it a violet color and some additional beneficial properties, which will be described in more detail below.
Beneficial features
The high content of beta-carotene, the presence of anthocyanins, as well as other substances and vitamins, gives the purple varieties many useful properties, in particular its use in food allows you to:
- strengthen the immune system;
- normalize cholesterol levels;
- reduce the risk of cancer;
- improve vision
Important! This type of carrot is a good preventive measure that prevents the development of retinopathy - an eye disease that often manifests itself in diabetes mellitus. It is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, helps with venous insufficiency.
Cooking Application
In principle, purple varieties can be used in all dishes that use ordinary carrots. It can be marinated, boiled, fried, stewed, baked, used in salads, squeezed juice and eaten raw. Because of the unusual color, this root crop is used to decorate various dishes. 
Use in the treatment
A purple carrot has some positive effect in any form - even in a guy, even in a fried one. But, undoubtedly, the greatest effect can be achieved by eating it raw. Very good in this sense, carrot juice.
Harm and contraindications
In some cases, the root vegetable in question may cause allergic reactions, such as a skin rash, diarrhea, or swelling of the skin. In addition, excessive consumption of this vegetable with abundant beta-carotene in it can lead to yellowing of the skin. It is also recommended not to abuse carrots during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Did you know? For a long time, people cultivated carrots as seasoning, eating seeds and leaves, and ignored the root crop itself.
As we can see, there are no special contraindications to the use of purple carrot varieties. This vegetable has excellent taste, many useful properties, as well as original colors, which allows it to be widely used in various dishes. 
