Did you know apart from the regular orange carrots we know, there are also white carrots? Exactly! White carrot vegetable is a thing. But what are white carrots called?
Growing up, what we are most familiar with is the orange carrot. However, weigh before orange carrots became established around the 15th century, white carrots were grown in Europe. The white carrots were mostly fed to cattle back then. But humans can as well consume these white carrots.
We will be discussing what white carrots vegetable is called. We will also be discussing some other amazing facts about these white carrots. So continue reading to gain some knowledge on this.
What Are White Carrots Called?
The white carrot vegetables are known to be Daucus carota subsp. Sativus. Arracacha is also a white carrot name.
About Carrot & White Carrot
White carrot is a type of root vegetable that belongs to the Apiaceae or carrot family and their veg is also used as herbs.
Initially, carrots were grown in different colors such as red, yellow, green, black, purple, and white, as well as orange. There is a narrative or theory that during the 17th century, orange carrots were bred in the Netherlands in honor of the Duke of Orange.
He led the struggle for Dutch independence. This orange carrot become popular even around the world and became the carrot standard color. So since then, the orange color got stuck and was normalized.
Iran and Afghanistan are where carrots have been known to originate. They contain more genes than humans which are around 32,000 genes. In Afghanistan, carrots were initially white before they were crossed breed to give rise to orange color.
The white carrot doesn’t have any pigmentation and this makes them white. Their flavor tends to be smoother compared to orange carrots. Cultivars of white carrots include snow white, lunar white, and white satin.
Generally, arracacha or white carrots don’t get as big or fat as the traditional orange carrot does. A white carrot usually grows thin and can be roughly an inch wide. They also tend to grow longer. Arracacha is enriched with vitamins and nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin A.
Importance Of White Carrot
Although white carrots may be regarded as having lesser health benefits because of their lack of pigment: these carrots are still as nutritional as their counterparts.
Here are some nutritional benefits of white carrots:
- Arracacha or white carrots contain naturally occurring substances called phytochemicals that enhance general health.
- White carrot is rich in antioxidants.
- The phytochemicals and antioxidants that white carrot contains can also assist in blood sugar regulation. It can as well help in delaying the effect of aging, and enhance immune function.
- They also contain a natural bioactive compound found in plant foods that collaborates with nutrients and dietary fiber. And this defends against most diseases.
- These carrots are majorly used in baby foods to prevent them from coming up with orange skin.
- Arracacha or white carrot can lower the risk of colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. They are also great for digestion.
- White carrot can as well help in blood sugar regulations.
- This white carrot is low in calories and is also a great source of starch. They have high starch content that ranges from around 10% to 25% and their tiny starch granules are very similar to that of cassava.
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- White carrot is also rich in folate, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamin E.
- Another great benefit of white carrots is in terms of dental health. They have been known to kill bad germs in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
- Diets that are rich in beta-carotene such as white carrots may contribute to protecting against prostate cancer.
- White carrots may also play a role in protection against heart diseases and stroke.
Eating carrots raw are great food. However, some research has shown that cooking these carrots may help enhance their nutritional value.
White Carrots & Parsnips: Differences
Take note not to confuse the white carrots with parsnip. Parsnips may be in the carrots family, but they are different species. White carrots may look like parsnips but they are different and don’t even taste the same. White carrot has a mildly sweet flavor and they always taste like carrots.
Parsnips also tend to have a more golden color or ivory color and a more nutty flavor. Parsnip also tends to be larger compared to the white carrot.
The most obvious difference between parsnip and white carrots is in their flavor. Parsnip has this almost spiced-tasting flavor. Parsnip also has a reminiscent of nutmeg and cinnamon, the white carrot on the other hand has a sweet taste that is closer to winter squash.
Both white carrot and parsnip can be mixed and eaten together. However, if you want to get the best out of their flavor, you should attempt recipes that will highlight the uniqueness of each vegetable.
Can Pregnant Women Eat White Carrots?
Pregnant women can eat white carrots. It’s a healthy and nutritious food that provides essential vitamins and minerals to both mom and her unborn baby.
White carrots contain high amounts of folate and iron. Like other carrots, they’re also a great source of beta-carotene. This is converted into Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for developing healthy eyesight. White carrots also contain other essential nutrients. Pregnant women will get a healthy dose of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C when they consume this root veggie. These nutrients will support a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnant women must eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. White carrots are a tasty and nutritious addition to this diet. Pregnant women can enjoy it cooked or raw in a variety of dishes.
If unsure, consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
How To Cook Arracacha?
Arracacha is commonly used in South American cuisine. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. You can cook it in various ways to add nutrition to your dishes. Here are the basic steps to cooking arracacha:
- Peel the arracacha with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Rinse it under cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
- Cut the arracacha into small, bite-sized pieces, and place them in a pot of boiling water.
- Cook the arracacha for 10-15 minutes or until it is tender. You should be able to pierce it easily with a fork.
- Drain the arracacha and transfer it to a bowl.
- Season the arracacha with salt, herbs, and spices, like cumin, garlic, or chili powder, to taste.
- Serve the arracacha as a side dish, or add it to soups, stews, or other dishes for flavor and nutrition.
You can also roast, mash, or fry arracacha for a unique flavor. I suggest experimenting with different cooking methods and seasoning to find the way you enjoy this delicious and versatile veggie best!
Conclusion
What carrots are called or known as arracacha? Generations of people have grown up believing that all carrots have always been orange. But we actually have white carrots. White carrot is a great alternative to vegetable carrots you can grow compared to the traditional orange carrot known.
Arracacha or white carrot also offers great benefits such as improving general health. They are rich in folate, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and vitamin E.
FAQ’s
What makes white carrots white?
A white carrot is the result of crossbreeding white carrots with red carrots. White carrots are not naturally occurring, and have been created through selective breeding. The first white carrot was bred by John Scurlock in 1884. John Scurlock created the first white carrot through crossing a red carrot with a yellow carrot.
What are the nutritional benefits of white carrots?
They are very high in beta-carotene. In fact, carrots grown specifically for their beta-carotene content can contain as much as 8,000 IU per 100 grams. Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. White carrots are especially high in beta-carotene, which is an important antioxidant.
What is the white carrot called?
The first white carrot was named "Coulter's White." The name "Coulter's" was used for this variety because it was developed by Dr. Coulter at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Coulter was also responsible for creating the first red carrot. White Carrots are very popular in North America because they are very sweet and are easy to grow.
What are vegetables that look like a white carrot?
The white radish, also known as the chayote. It’s a tropical root vegetable and one of the easiest to grow at home. The chayote is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium and phosphorus. It is also used in soups, stews, salads and stir-fry dishes. In this article, we will discuss:
Carrots and parsnips are related in the same family, Carrotaceae, so they are similar in many ways. The main difference is that the parsnip has a thicker skin than the carrot.
Parsnips are an orange root vegetable (or taproot). They're a cross between the carrot and parsley family. They're very similar to carrots in size, shape and color but can be more fibrous. Parsnips do have a distinctive flavor, which is sweeter than carrots.
Are daikons and white carrots similar?
Yes, the two are very similar. Daikon is a milder version of a regular radish.
It has a thinner and crunchier texture and a sweeter taste than regular radishes. It is sometimes used in stir-fries and salads. White carrots are the small round kind, sometimes called “baby” carrots, that you often find in the produce section of the grocery store. They have a milder flavor than the red kind. The white ones are often used as a garnish or added to salads.
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