Extracts from black carrots (Daucus carota) are derived from carrots with black or purple flesh. Origins of black carrots may have originated from Turkey and Syria.
Season and where it grows
Carrots have always been a source of nutrition and great taste. They considerably draw their popularity from the fact that they improve eyesight. Who would not want to have very good eyesight, right? Black carrots are common in preparing recipes in India and China. They are grown in countries such as Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Far East.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Vitamins including carrots, and particularly black carrots, are a known source of warding off popular diseases. Black carrots have the same health benefits as fruits of the same colour.Such black fruits include: plums, grapes and blueberries. Black carrots reduce premature aging. Vitamin A is very prevalent in black carrots hence improving healthy eyes, immune system and quality of male sperm. They also ease and help with digestion in the stomach by increasing secretions of the stomach and thereby helps in reducing cases of colic, constipation and also diarrhea. It also favorsurine and perspiration.
Medicinal Use of Black Carrots
The black carrot is very useful in helping blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and generally reducing the risk of cancer. By improving blood circulation, they naturally strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries. It can also be prepared in addition to some tonics in order to cope with colds and flu as it relieves nasal congestion and sinusitis. Black carrots are however less effective when eaten raw as compared to other vegetables like cabbages and kales. They are most effective when eaten cooked but they should not be overcooked so as not to lose their nutritional value.
Products from Black Carrots
Popular and nutritious drinks, such as Kanji and Salgam, are made from black carrots. The drinks are very rich in vitamin and high iron content very beneficial for the stomach. Taking the drinks regularly improves the skin complexion. Black carrot products such as Gajar Kanji or carrot kanji are a traditional Punjabi fermented drink made regularly during winters. Concentrations from the black carrot are widely used in industries to make a wide range of products such as in the beverages industry.
Culinary Use of Black Carrots
Raw black carrots are used to make salads, flavoring, dry mixes and fruit preparations. The black carrots are mostly preferred to make natural food coloring since they retain their black color better than other fruits such as grapes. They also make nutritious raw juice and are added in some recipes to make soups such as bean soup, vegetable soups and chicken broth.
