International Carrot Day or simply, “Carrot Day,” is celebrated every year on April 4th and is the pinnacle for carrot lovers all around the world. It is the day when this humble and beloved orange root veggie is celebrated through carrot parties and other carrot related festivities.
The first known cultivation of the carrot can be traced all the way back to Afghan farmers in 1000 A.D., but the first annual celebration of this vibrant root occurred in the year 2003 with the pure intention of celebrating the staple salad ingredient. As of now, celebrations have been reported to occur in France, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Australia, Japan, and the U.K. It seems that carrots are a rather hearty plant that can grow in many diverse conditions, though they typically come into harvest in the summer and fall seasons of their growth sites.
California is responsible for 85% of the carrots that U.S. citizens purchase in grocery stores across the country. While the taproot is traditionally the star of the culinary show, carrot greens — the part that grows out of the soil and toward the sun — are equally edible. Many countries use this portion of the plant to mix in with their salad greens.
Carrots are among the few vegetables that are harvested primarily for their roots, rather than their sprouts. Joining them are potatoes, turnips, radishes, and beets. The traditional carrot’s hue is a deep orange with yellow undertones, but there are many different variations in color harvested worldwide, including purple, red, and pale yellow iterations.
Carrots are chock full of health benefits—they may promote healthy vision, balance your blood sugar, help with weight management, lower your risk of cancer, regulate blood pressure, reduce heart disease, improve immunity, and boost brain health. You won’t regret incorporating more of this vegetable into your diet.
Due to the carrot’s longevity when stored in the refrigerator, it often makes appearances in dishes for all seasons, from spring to autumn to winter. Carrots are also among the vegetables that can be eaten raw and fresh, with only a little scrub under cool water as preparation. When raw, the crunch of a carrot can be heard from many feet away. Carrots can be served as a sweet treat in carrot cake, or as a savory accompaniment to meats such as salmon and chicken.
So go out and celebrate International Carrot Day the best way possible – eat some carrots!
—
Photo Credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com