Cosmic Purple Carrot: Description, Origins, Uses & More…

The majority of carrots we grow today are orange in color, but the first carrots that originated in Central Asia in the 10th century, were likely purple. Historically, seeds and leaves of carrots were used for therapeutic and aphrodisiac properties instead of their roots. However, everything changed when the Dutch invented the orange version, which became the poster boy of the Carrot world.

Despite the “orange takeover”, there are numerous other colors and varieties of carrots available today. So, let’s take a look at a younger member of the carrot family- the Cosmic Purple Carrot.

The Cosmic Purple Carrot is a unique hybrid vegetable developed by modern plant breeders. It is a beautiful and mysterious-looking vegetable with an intense purple color, which has been proving popular with home gardeners and restaurants that value dark-colored vegetables.

In this guide, we’ll discuss all you need to know about Cosmic Purple carrot and how you can grow this intriguing vegetable in your backyard.

What is Cosmic Purple Carrot?

Cosmic Purple Carrots are a unique variety of purple carrots high in antioxidants and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They have an intensely sweet flavor, deep purple color, and crunchy texture, making them a great addition to any meal.

Purple Cosmic carrots (Daucus carota) are a hybrid and an open-pollinated variety belonging to the Apiaceae family. The long, pigmented roots were introduced in the United States in 2005 and are descendants of the original purple carrot varieties. These carrots are considered a modern variety with improvements created to bring diversity into the extended carrot family.

Their nutrient content makes them an excellent choice for those looking to add more nutrition to their diet. Cosmic Purple Carrots are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce inflammation and promoting good health.

With their unique flavor and vibrant color, Cosmic Purple Carrots make a great addition to any meal.

History and Origins of the Cosmic Purple Carrot?

Purple Cosmic carrots were developed at the USDA Agricultural Research Station in Madison, Wisconsin by geneticist Dr. Philipp Simon. Purple carrots are native to Central Asia and have been growing since thousands of years, but many original varieties had less than impressive flavors.

Since decades, geneticists had used those original varieties to research and study the purple carrot’s genome to create a better-flavored carrot. Purple Cosmic carrots were released to commercial markets in 2005, and today the variety is primarily sold through select growers at farmer’s markets and specialty grocers. Purple Cosmic carrots are also a popular home garden variety sold through online seed catalogs.

The Cosmic Purple Carrot are a popular home garden variety sold through online seed catalogs and is particularly popular among raw food enthusiasts, as it can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. It is also often used in juicing recipes due to its high nutrient content.

Whether eaten raw, cooked, or juiced, the Cosmic Purple Carrot is truly a unique and nutritious addition to any diet.

Description of Cosmic Purple Carrot:

The Cosmic Purple carrot is a hybrid form of carrot with purple and yellow stripes that stands out of the rest of its species. The roots are light brown, and its tops emerge, covered in a vibrant mix of shades of dark purple, yellow, and green. Below the surface, the flesh is crisp, dense, and aqueous.

Each of its plants will grow a 7–8″ long root. The purple color is due to a high antioxidant content, making this carrot full of health benefits. The leaves are also a mix of transparent green and richly colored hues. As it grows, its purples deepen, and its yellows become more prominent.

Flavor Profile:

The Cosmic Purple Carrot has an earthy, slightly sweet flavor complemented by its unique purple hue. It is often described as having a nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and spice. When cooked, the carrot becomes softer and sweeter, making it ideal for adding to soups, salads, or roasting as a side dish.

Its deep purple color is also a great way to add a unique splash of color to any meal.

Health Benefits of the Cosmic Purple Carrot:

Cosmic Purple Carrots are packed with nutrients that can help support good health. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and fiber to promote digestive health. These carrots also contain antioxidants which can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, they offer a supply of folate, which is crucial for expectant mothers because it guards against congenital disorders. These carrots’ purple color also indicates the presence of anthocyanins, which have been linked to a range of health benefits, including better vision, lowered stress levels, and even lowered cholesterol.

Cultivation & Harvesting:

Cultivation:

Cosmic Purple Carrots require well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It should also be amended with compost or a light fertilizer application before planting to ensure the soil has plenty of nutrients.

The seeds should be planted 1/2 inch deep, spaced 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. When the seedlings reach 2-3 inches in height, they should be thinned to 4-6 inches apart.

Cosmic Purple Carrots need full sun and moisture throughout their growing season. Mulching around the plants will help keep moisture in and weeds out.

Watering regularly but not too frequently is important, as this can cause the roots to rot. To ensure a consistent water supply, use drip irrigation or set up an automatic watering system.

Pest and disease management is also an important aspect of caring for Carrot Cosmic Purple in Austin. Keep an eye out for common pests such as carrot rust flies and aphids and take preventive measures such as covering the plants with row covers to protect them from infestations. Additionally, practicing crop rotation and maintaining good garden hygiene can help prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases, ensuring the long-term health of the carrot crop.

Harvesting:

As the carrots reach maturity, typically around 65 to 75 days after planting, they can be gently pulled from the soil for harvest. Watch out for their tops pushing up and out of the soil. Grab the entire leafy part of the plant and pull gently. If the top breaks, use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the carrot and pull it up.

Carrot Cosmic Purple is known for its vibrant and unique color, making it a visually striking addition to any harvest. Once harvested, store the carrots in a cool, humid environment to prolong their shelf life and preserve their crisp texture and sweet flavor.

Where are Cosmic Purple Carrots Grown and Harvested?

Cosmic Purple Carrots are grown and harvested in various locations around the world. These include countries like France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Italy, the USA, and many other countries. The carrots are grown in soil or hydroponically on specially designed farms. They are often hand-harvested to ensure maximum freshness and quality. The carrots are then shipped to markets worldwide where consumers can buy them.

In USA, Texas along with California and Wisconsin are the major producers of Cosmic Purple Carrots.

Where to Buy?

The best quality Cosmic Purple Carrot can be found at specialty grocery stores or farmers’ markets. Many online retailers also offer organic purple carrots grown in specific climates and soil conditions to ensure the highest levels of nutrition and flavor.

They are available at supermarkets such as Walmart, Wholefoods, Target.

Some specialty seed catalogs may also carry heirloom varieties of Cosmic Purple Carrots, which have been bred to maintain their unique flavor and color. Finally, some seed companies may even offer organic purple carrot seedlings, which can be planted at home and enjoyed for years. 

How to Store?

Cosmic Purple Carrots should be kept in a cool, dry place for best storage. They ought to be kept out of direct sunlight and in a container. The carrots can also be kept in a refrigerator if you can access them. Before storing the carrots, ensure they are clean, and before putting them in the refrigerator, ensure they are thoroughly dried off.

Additionally, because they can taste other products, the carrots should be stored separately from them. When ready to use, properly wash the carrots before eating. 

Various Culinary Uses:

Cosmic Purple Carrot can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be roasted, fried, boiled, mashed, or shredded – endless options! Roasted Cosmic Purple Carrots make a great side dish and add color to your meal. 

• Fried Cosmic Purple Carrots make a tasty snack that can be enjoyed with dips or sauces.
• Carrot is an excellent addition to soups and stews, adding flavor and nutrition. 
• Mashed Cosmic Purple Carrot is also popular and adds creaminess to dishes such as shepherd’s pie or mashed potato casseroles. 
• Finally, grated Cosmic Purple Carrot is great for salads or baked goods such as muffins or cakes.

Conclusion:

It’s fascinating to learn that carrots were mostly purple and white in color prior to the 1800s. A result of some tweaking by the Dutch, an orange variety became the poster boy of the carrot world, but purple, white, red, and yellow carrots are regaining popularity due to their unique appearance.

Being a young addition to the world of carrots, the Cosmic Purple carrot has only been around since 2005. It was a result of the continuous attempts made by geneticists to savor the desirable qualities of all the carrot varieties in one.

Whether you want to roast, fry, or use them in baked goods, Cosmic Purple Carrot will certainly add something special to your kitchen creations!

FAQ’s

Q.1 How to grow Cosmic Purple Carrot?

Ans- Cosmic Purple carrots can be directly seeded when the soil is workable in spring, in successions throughout the cool spring season, and in the fall as well. They prefer full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Roots will be ready to harvest in about 80 days.

Q.2 How does Cosmic Purple Carrot taste like?

Ans- The Cosmic Purple Carrot has an earthy, slightly sweet flavor complemented by its unique purple hue. It is often described as having a nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and spice.

Q.1 Where was Cosmic Purple Carrot originated from?

Ans- Purple Cosmic carrots were developed at the USDA Agricultural Research Station in Madison, Wisconsin by geneticist Dr. Philipp Simon.