Why are carrots orange?

This story has been updated. For centuries, almost all carrots were yellow, white or purple. But in the 17th century, most of those crunchy vegetables turned orange. Why? It may have to do with Dutch politics. read more

They were bred orange in The Netherlands during the 17th century from the older white and purple stock (that are now back in fashion as “heritage” varieties) to show support for the Orange-Nassau dynasty. The Orange-Nassau were the leading family of The Netherlands from the mid-16th century (and are now its royal family). read more

Allegedly they are orange for entirely political reasons: in the 17th century, Dutch growers are thought to have cultivated orange carrots as a tribute to William of Orange – who led the the struggle for Dutch independence – and the color stuck. read more

Why the Carrot is Orange: Blame the Prince of Orange By Wesley Fenlon on April 10, 2012 at 9:16 a.m. Carrots were once commonly grown in a range of colors, but a fruit, the evolution of language, and a Dutch revolution gave the carrot its orange hue. read more

So provocative were orange carrots seen to be in the early modern period that, at various points, they were banned from sale in Dutch markets as the fortunes of the dynasty waxed and waned politically. read more