Yes really! Sunday 3rd February 2013 is National Carrot Day. OK so it might be a little American, but why not celebrate what is probably the world’s most widely used and loved vegetable.
A few carrot facts;
- Orange carrots as we know them were first bred in the 1500s by Dutch scientists and although the main purpose was to create a sweeter more palatable root, the new variety was adopted as the national vegetable and the emblem of the Dutch Royal House of Orange.
- Their royal connections don't stop there. They are also said to have been a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, and even the wild carrot, despite being no better than a weed, bears a royal name – Queen Anne’s Lace.
- Nutritionally, carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant which is linked with reducing the risk of heart disease as well as being beneficial to the eyes. They are also a good source of fibre, potassium and Vitamin C and contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and calcium.
- Around 75g/3oz or 3 heaped tablespoons of fresh sliced carrots count towards one of the recommended 5-a-day and at less than 30 calories are an excellent option.
The day has its own facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Carrot-Day/300507617737 and there’s even been a song written!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWTd0BMdtvg
Seems there really is a day for everything!