Daucus carota is a member of the Umbelliferae (parsley) family along with celery, fennel, cumin, and dill.
Carrots were reportely first grown in Rome in the third century, then in Afghanistan before being cultivated by the Dutch. Early varieties were purple until our “modern’ orange version was cultivated in the Netherlands. There are dozens of carrot varieties worldwide in several widths, colors, and lengths. Color variations other than orange include white, yellow, reddish-hued, purple, and nearly black.
Season Availability: All Year!
References: Produce Marketing Association, Purdue University.