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Black Carrot

Also Known As : Purple carrots, Kali gajar
Technical Name : Daucus carota

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Black carrots have a sweet as well as subtle spicy aftertaste

Usage Tips

  1. Black carrots can be used as regular carrot in salads, juices and pickles.
  2. Gajar Kanji or carrot kanji is a traditional punjabi fermented drink that is made using black carrots, mustard powder, red chilli powder and black salt along with water.
  3. It can also be used to make dessert preparations like halwa, kheer and puddings.

Common names and forms

  1. Kali gajar

Description

Black carrots are a source of natural food coloring that originates from Turkey and other regions of the Middle East and Asia. The nutrients in black carrot extract that give them their color are anthocyanins which have several health benefits, such as the potential for treating neurological dysfunctions like Alzheimer’s disease. They can also be beneficial when treating cancer. Black carrots have a unique taste, decidedly different than white or orange carrots. In India, it’s grown in Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh regions of India amongst which Punjab Black Beauty is the popular variant. Researchers suggest that Anthocyanins from purple carrot are more stable over a wider pH range than Anthocyanins from other fruit or vegetable sources, making them ideal for use in yogurts, beverages, fruit bases, and confectionary.

Health benefits

  • Anthocyanins present in black carrots have antioxidant abilities, which can help to slow down oxidative stress and onset of chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. (1)
  • Carrots are extremely high in dietary fiber, which is responsible for stimulating the peristaltic motion of the bowel and improve nutrient uptake by the gut. (1)
  • New researches suggest that eating black carrots regularly could have positive benefits in reducing the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's due to its antioxidant and Anthocyanin content. (1)
  • It also has beta-carotene which is responsible for lowering the risk of macular degeneration and slows the development of cataract. This helps in maintaining eye health and improves vision. (1)
  • Black carrots contain fewer calories for every 100 grams of carrots. It thus helps to reduce weight. (2)
  • It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect various diseases like diabetes, neurological disorder, and heart problems. (2)

Selection Guide

Look for well-shaped carrots. They should not be covered with rootlets. Choose mature carrots as fairly young carrots are mild-flavored and tender, but mature carrots are often sweeter, with a dense, close-grained texture.

Note

Some people do have a natural allergy to carrots, so all varieties should be avoided, to prevent swelling, rashes, and stomach issues. (1)

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”