Carrots Were Purple Until Dutch Farmers Made Them Orange for Political Reasons
Carrots were originally purple, white, and yellow. Dutch farmers in the 17th century selectively bred orange carrots to honor the House of Orange royal family.
About this fact
For most of history, carrots came in purple, white, yellow, and red varieties - but not orange. The familiar orange carrot we know today was developed by Dutch farmers in the 17th century as a tribute to William of Orange (William III) and the Dutch royal House of Orange. Through selective breeding, they created carrots with high beta-carotene content, which gave them their distinctive orange color. This wasn't just about agriculture - it was a political statement of loyalty to their rulers. The orange carrots were so successful that they gradually replaced other varieties worldwide. Purple carrots still exist today and are actually higher in antioxidants than orange ones, but they never regained their former popularity.