45 Types of Carrots | A-to-Z | Photos

Carrots are root vegetables that have a long, thin, orange taproot. Carrots are members of the Umbelliferae family, which includes 200 genera and 2900 species, i.e., celery, parsley, and dill. There are many varieties of carrots, but the two main types of carrots are Eastern and Western.

The Eastern carrot is native to Asia and has a thinner, pointier root than the Western carrot. The Western was developed in Europe and has a thicker, rounder root.

Carrots are thought to have originated in Persia, Iran, and the Afghanistan region. They were first cultivated in Europe in the 14th century. The average weighs about 125 grams and is high in vitamin A.

Every year, Americans consume about 3 pounds of carrots per person.

⬇️ Table of Contents

• Different Types of Carrots
• Chantenay Carrot
• Imperator Carrot
• Nantes Carrot
• Baby Carrot Variety
• Atomic Red Carrots
• Autumn King Carrot
• Babette Carrots
• Baltimore Carrots
• Black Nebula Carrots
• Bolero Carrots
• Candysnax Carrots
• Caracas Carrots
• Cosmic Purple Carrots
• Danvers Carrots
• Giants of Colmar Carrots
• Hercules Carrots
• Merida Carrots
• Mokum Carrots
• Kuroda Applesina Carrots
• St. Valery Carrots
• Parano Carrots
• Mignon Carrots
• Napa Carrots
• Napoli Carrots
• Nectar Carrots
• Nelson Carrots 
• Nutri-Red Carrots
• Red Samurai Carrots
• Rodelika Carrots
• X Oxheart Carrots
• Purple Dragon Carrots
• Purple Haze Carrots
• Purple Sun Carrots
• Purplesnax Carrots
• Purple 68 Carrots
• Red-Cored Carrots
• Romance Carrots
• Romeo Carrots
• Royal Chantenay Carrots
• Scarlet Nautes Carrots
• Sugarsnax 54 Carrots
• Tonda di Parigi Carrot
• Touchon Carrots
• White Satin Carrots
• Yaya Carrots
• Yellowstone Carrots
• FAQs

Different Types of Carrots

The four main categories of carrots are Chantenay, Imperator, Nantes, and Baby. 

• Chantenay is the most popular type and is typically found in heavy soil. 
• Imperator-type carrots are the second most popular and are characterized by their long, slender shape. 
• Nantes is the third most popular and is known for its sweet flavor. 
• Baby, the fourth and final type of carrot, is typically much smaller than other types.

Chantenay Carrot

Chantenay carrots are short, stout, and deep orange. Known for their slightly sweet flavor, they are commonly used in soups and stews. This variety is less sweet than the Nantes carrot, making it more suitable for savory dishes.

They thrive in heavy soil, where other carrot types might struggle. Their unique shape and flavor profile make them a staple in traditional cooking.

Imperator Carrot

Imperator carrots are distinguished by their long, slender shape and tapered end. Named after Imperator, Germany, where they originated, these carrots are a favorite in both Europe and North America. They feature a deep orange hue and a notably sweet flavor.

Their elegance in shape and ability to retain color when cooked makes them particularly prized by chefs. Imperator carrots thrive in warm climates with loose, well-drained soil, making them versatile and popular for culinary use

Nantes Carrot

Nantes carrots, from Nantes, France, are sweet, crisp, and slightly spicy. These 6-7 inch, deep orange carrots easily grow in well-drained, loose soil and full sunlight. They can be planted in early spring or late summer and harvested in 70-80 days.

Nantes carrots are versatile for raw salads, juices, and cooked dishes and store well in cool, dry places. Popular sub-varieties include Nelson Nantes, Bolero Nantes, and Yaya Nantes, known for their consistency, disease resistance, and suitability for various seasons. Nantes carrots are favored for their flavor, ease of cultivation, and nutritional benefits.

Baby Carrot Variety

Baby carrots, also known as "little finger carrots," are harvested early and typically measure about 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. While usually orange, they can also be white, yellow, or red. Originating in Denmark in the 1970s, they gained popularity in the US, with California producing 80% of them.

They thrive in well-drained soil with ample sunlight and require consistent moisture. Baby carrots are ideal for raw snacking, salads, and cooking due to their small, uniform size. Their convenient size and versatility make them a popular choice for various culinary uses.

Atomic Red Carrots

Atomic Red carrots, developed in the Netherlands in the early 1990s by Dutch scientist Willem van der Meer, are known for their vibrant red color and sweet flavor.

Created through selective breeding of mutant strains, these carrots have been sold in Europe since 1996 and have gained popularity in the United States.

They thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and consistent moisture and mature in 70-80 days. Ideal for adding color and sweetness to various dishes, Atomic Red carrots are a visually appealing and flavorful choice for culinary use.

Autumn King Carrot

Autumn King carrots, developed by John Henry Myers in the early 1900s in Connecticut, are known for their long, slender shape and sweet flavor.

Named after the American King orange, these carrots can grow up to 16 inches long and range from dark orange to light yellow, with some red streaks.

They thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and consistent moisture and mature in 70-90 days. Ideal for both raw and cooked dishes, Autumn King carrots add visual appeal and sweetness to a variety of meals.

Babette Carrots

Babette carrots, developed in Europe in the 1980s, are a new addition to the Umbelliferae family. Named after Le Plessis-Babéon in France, they were created by crossing Nantes and Chantenay varieties.

These carrots are known for their crisp texture and hint of sweetness when raw, with intensified sweetness and tenderness when cooked.

Ideal for salads, snacking, roasting, and steaming, baby carrots thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight and mature in 70-90 days. Their versatile flavor and texture make them popular in raw and cooked dishes.

Baltimore Carrots

Baltimore carrots, a popular Nantes variety, produce crisp, sweet roots in abundant quantities. They are well-suited to cooler climates and have a smooth, blunt-ended shape, making them easy to peel.

These carrots grow to about 6-8 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter. They are delicious both raw and cooked, and when properly sealed, they can be stored for up to 8 months.

Baltimore carrots have a 75-day harvest period and are ideal for a variety of culinary uses, including salads, snacking, and cooking.

Black Nebula Carrots

Black Nebula carrots are known for their short growing season and deep black to purple color, resulting from a genetic mutation. Rare and once thought extinct, these carrots have a mysterious history tied to witchcraft and sorcery.

They thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and consistent moisture. Though detailed cultivation and culinary uses are limited due to their rarity, their unique appearance and quick growth make them a fascinating variety to grow.

Bolero Carrots

Bolero carrots, a hybrid variety developed in the Netherlands, are known for their bright orange color and sweet flavor. They result from cross-breeding the Orange Danvers and Scarlet Nantes varieties.

Typically about six inches long with a blunt end, Bolero carrots are versatile for roasting, steaming, or eating raw. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight, maturing in 70-80 days.

Bolero carrots are widely grown and appreciated for their ease of growth and delicious taste, making them a popular choice for various culinary uses.

Candysnax Carrots

Candysnax carrots, an heirloom variety from Germany, are long, blunt-tipped, and high in beta-carotene. Developed in the early 20th century, they are known for their sweetness and excellent performance in demanding environments.

Though not as popular as before, Candysnax carrots can still be found at farmers' markets. Ideal for baking and raw consumption, they thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight and mature in 70-80 days.

Their high sugar content makes them sweeter than most carrots, enhancing their versatility in various culinary uses.

Caracas Carrots

Caracas carrots, known as "Venezuelan baby carrots" or "miniature carrots," are long, sweet-tasting carrots first cultivated in Caracas, Venezuela.

They thrive in warm, sunny climates with plenty of rain and gained popularity in the US in the early 2000s. Now grown in California, Florida, and Arizona, these bright orange carrots are ideal for raw snacking and salads due to their sweet flavor and tender texture.

Their adaptability to warm climates and versatile culinary uses make them a popular choice.

Cosmic Purple Carrots

Cosmic Purple carrots, developed in the 1970s, are known for their striking purple color, which comes from the anthocyanin pigment.

These carrots are less sweet but still delicious, making them versatile for raw and cooked dishes.

Easy to grow in the ground or containers, they thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and consistent moisture. Their vibrant color and ease of cultivation make them a popular choice for gardeners and a visually appealing addition to various recipes.

Danvers Carrots

Danvers carrots are prized for their sweet, rich flavor and bright orange color. Ideal for roasting, steaming, or eating raw, they offer versatility in the kitchen. When shopping, choose carrots that are blemish-free and avoid wilted or green tops.

Danvers carrots thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Their robust taste and ease of use make them a popular choice for various culinary applications.

Giants of Colmar Carrots

Giants of Colmar carrots are renowned for their large size, growing up to two feet long and weighing up to four pounds.

Originating from Colmar, France, these carrots were introduced to the U.S. in the early 1900s and are popular among gardeners and farmers.

They thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and mature in 70-90 days. Ideal for roasting, steaming, and juicing, Giants of Colmar carrots are prized for their high yield and robust size, making them a versatile and efficient choice for cultivation.

Hercules Carrots

Hercules carrots, bright orange and named after the Greek god Hercules, are known for their large size and sweet flavor. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and are easy to grow, maturing in 70-80 days.

Popular among gardeners and farmers, Hercules carrots are versatile for roasting, steaming, and eating raw. Their ease of growth and robust characteristics make them a favored choice for novice and experienced gardeners.

Merida Carrots

Merida carrots are Nantes-type, rich orange carrots known for their sweet flavor and resistance to bolting.

Typically 6-7 inches long and 1-1.5 inches in diameter, they have a round root with a blunt tip and firm, juicy flesh. Suitable for spring, summer, and late fall plantings, Merida carrots mature in 80 days when planted in September. They store well in cool conditions, making them a versatile and practical choice for various culinary uses.

Mokum Carrots

Mokum carrots, a Nantes-type variety, are known for their crisp texture and sweet flavor, maturing in just 56 days. Developed in the 1970s by the Seed Savers Exchange, they have striking orange roots with thick dark green tops.

These carrots, which originated in France and have been grown commercially in Europe for over 300 years, require careful hand-digging due to their brittle nature.

Ideal for home gardeners, Mokum carrots are high in vitamin A and sugar, making them a delicious, nutritious choice for fresh eating during winter months.

Kuroda Applesina Carrots

Kuroda carrots are bright orange, cylindrical carrots known for their tender texture and sweet flavor. Developed as a popular variety in Asia, they are versatile and perform well in various soil conditions, including rocky soils.

These carrots, typically seven to nine inches long, can be planted in spring and fall, maturing in 70-90 days. Ideal for raw snacking, salads, cooking, and juicing, Kuroda carrots are a favorite in Asian markets due to their adaptability and delicious taste.

St. Valery Carrots

Purple Dragon carrots are heirloom carrots with a reddish-purple exterior and bright orange interior, developed by Mr. Bob Wells in the 1940s.

Known for their sweet and spicy flavor, they thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and mature in 70-80 days. Ideal for raw salads, roasting, and juicing, their striking color and unique flavor make them a popular choice for adding visual and culinary appeal to various dishes.

Their versatility and vibrant appearance set them apart as a distinctive carrot variety.

Parano Carrots

Parano carrots, developed in Paraná, Brazil, became popular in Europe and North America in the late 1800s and were a favorite by the early 1900s.

Best planted in early spring for a long growing season, they are harvested at 3-4 inches in diameter. Known for their robust flavor, Parano carrots are ideal for fresh eating, cooking, and juicing. Their historical significance and versatility make them a distinguished carrot variety.

Mignon Carrots

Mignon carrots are a gourmet mini-carrot variety with bright orange, nearly coreless roots. They grow quickly, reaching a height of 30cm (12 inches) and a spread of 15cm (6 inches).

These carrots are ideal for early sowings in cold frames and container gardening because of their high sugar content and sweet, tender flavor. Perfect for snacking and garnishing dishes, Mignon carrots are easy to grow and maintain, making them a delightful choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Napa Carrots

Napa carrots have been cultivated in China, Japan, and Korea for over 2,000 years and have grown in the Napa Valley of California since the early 1900s.

Due to their high sucrose content, they have a unique sweet flavor. They thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight and mature in 70-90 days. Ideal for fresh eating, cooking, and juicing, their sweetness and versatility make them a popular choice in both Asian and Western cuisines.

Napoli Carrots

Napoli carrots, originating from Napoli, Italy, were first cultivated in the 1800s and became commercially available in the 1950s.

Bright orange, cylindrical roots with blunt tips, these Nantes-type carrots have an extremely sweet flavor that intensifies when overwintered. Ideal for spring and late summer planting, they grow best in well-drained soil with full sunlight.

Plant seeds ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart, thinning seedlings to 4-6 inches apart. Suitable for fresh eating, cooking, and juicing, Napoli carrots are favored for their versatility and sweet taste.

Nectar Carrots

Nectar carrots have a sweet, juicy taste. They're also incredibly colorful and fun to grow in the garden.

Dr. Frank Morton developed the original nectar carrot in Oregon in the 1980s. He found a seedling with a sweet flavor unlike any other he'd tasted. This seedling became the genetic basis for his breeding efforts to develop these tasty carrots - and they've become popular among gardeners ever since.

Nectar is usually grown for its ornamental value rather than edible qualities. They're beautiful with colorful stems and leaves, making them perfect for adding color to your vegetable garden or yard. 

These carrots' bright orange, yellow, red, and purple colors make them a great addition to any flowerbed or border planting.

Many people plant nectar carrots because they love their looks - but some varieties have been developed specifically for their flavor. These include 'Razzmatazz,' 'Cosmic Purple,' and 'Cosmic Orange.'

Nelson Carrots 

Nelson carrots, developed by the Nelson family in the 1940s in Nelson, New Zealand, are renowned for their sweetness and crisp texture. Named after Eric Nelson, these carrots have been prized since their first harvest in 1885.

Typically bright orange and uniform in shape, they thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight, maturing in 70-80 days for a summer harvest. Ideal for fresh eating, salads, and juicing, Nelson carrots are sought after by carrot enthusiasts worldwide for their exceptional flavor and historical significance.

Nutri-Red Carrots

Nutri-Red carrots, developed by the University of Florida and released in 2017, are a hybrid of Danvers Half Long and Scarlet Nantes varieties.

These carrots feature dark red skin, a sweet taste, and a long shelf life. They are not genetically modified and contain high levels of anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that protect cells, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.

Though not yet widely available in stores, Nutri-Red carrots can be purchased from seed companies like Johnny's Seeds or Burpee Seeds and may be found at local farmers' markets from April through July.

Red Samurai Carrots

Red Samurai carrots are named for their samurai sword-like shape. They are sweet and crunchy, ideal for salads and whole-serving dishes.

Grown in Japan's Hokkaido region, they thrive in low-sunlight gardens, producing a bright red color and sweet flavor.

Rodelika Carrots

Rodelika carrots, bred in the Netherlands and named after Rodelica, queen of Bohemia, are sweet, orange-colored, and dense, making them perfect for juicing.

These root-type Nantes carrots have been around since the 16th century and are the foundation for many popular cultivars. Reintroduced in 1993, they are now grown commercially in Europe and North America but remain rare outside these regions due to their limited adaptability.

X Oxheart Carrots

Oxheart carrots, also known as "Guerande" in France, are a French variety with giant, sweet, and tender heart-shaped roots.

These brilliant orange carrots are crisp with a hint of sweetness and spice. They are ideal for heavy or shallow soils and were first introduced to the U.S. in the late 19th century.

Purple Dragon Carrots

Purple Dragon carrots are heirloom carrots with a stunning reddish-purple exterior and bright orange interior. Developed by Bob Wells in the 1940s, these carrots add a colorful and refined touch to any garden. The smooth, attractive skin and vibrant interior make them a standout variety.

These carrots offer a unique flavor with a crisp texture and slight sweetness, ideal for both raw and cooked dishes. They thrive in well-drained soil, require minimal maintenance, and resist common pests and diseases, making them a reliable choice for gardeners.

Purple Haze Carrots

Purple Haze carrots are large, sweet, and flavorful, featuring dark purple skin and bright orange interiors.

Developed for their striking appearance, they are resistant to canker and rust, ensuring durability for gardeners. These dwarf carrots excel in urban gardens and tight spaces, thriving in well-drained soil and cooler climates.

Ideal for fall planting, they withstand frost well. In the kitchen, Purple Haze carrots are versatile, perfect for soups, purees, or raw consumption, adding a colorful and nutritious touch to various dishes.

Purple Sun Carrots

Purple Sun carrots are a vibrant variety with striking purple skin and an orange interior, developed to enhance their color, taste, and nutritional value. Originating from ancient Afghanistan, this variety has a sweet, slightly spicy flavor and is high in vitamins, particularly beta-carotene and dietary fiber.

These carrots thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil, requiring full sun and consistent moisture. They are typically harvested in about 70 to 80 days.

Versatile in the kitchen, Purple Sun carrots are suitable for raw consumption, roasting, steaming, and use in soups and stews.

Purplesnax Carrots

Purplesnax carrots are sweet, crunchy, and nutrition-rich purple carrots, perfect for snacking.

Bred in Germany, these long, straight carrots grow well even in challenging conditions, reaching up to 20 inches tall. They mature in 70-75 days and thrive in full sun.

Ideal for various culinary uses, Purplesnax carrots can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or added to salads and stir-fries, offering a vibrant and healthy addition to your meals.

Purple 68 Carrots

Purple 68 carrots are a short-day variety, producing 8-10 inch cylindrical roots in a stable, intense purple. They have robust, deeply colored leaves and are resistant to fusarium wilt and powdery mildew.

Ideal for summer or fall planting to avoid premature bolting, Purple 68 carrots thrive in well-drained soil with consistent moisture. These carrots are perfect for fresh consumption, roasting, or adding vibrant color to salads and dishes. Their rich hue and robust growth make them a standout choice for gardeners and chefs

Red-Cored Carrots

Red-cored carrots are a versatile, winter-hardy variety introduced by C.C. Morse & Company in 1929.

Featuring a blunt tip, measures about 5-½ inches long and 2-½ inches at the shoulder, and has sweet orange flesh with a distinctive red-orange core. Easy to grow in nutrient-rich soil, they mature in 70 days and produce a prolific harvest.

Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and other essential nutrients, Red-cored carrots are a healthy addition to any diet.

Romance Carrots

Romance carrots are a fast-maturing Nantes variety with bright orange, straight, blunt-ended roots, and minimal core.

Combining sweet flavor with crisp flesh. Highly productive, they yield heavy crops with sturdy tops and thrive in all climate zones. They are ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable, tasty carrot.

Romeo Carrots

Romeo carrots are quick-growing, easy-to-cultivate baby gourmet carrots with a short, round shape and shallow roots.

Will require minimal soil preparation and adapt well to various conditions. These carrots are known for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture. Their smooth-skinned, orange flesh makes them a nutritious addition to any diet.

Royal Chantenay Carrots

Royal Chantenay carrots are short, blocky, and perfect for heavy or shallow soils. They ripen in 70 days, have a deep orange color, and a delicate taste. Ideal for canning, freezing, and juicing, these carrots store well and are easy to grow in various soil types and containers.

Scarlet Nautes Carrots

Scarlet Nantes carrots from Nantes, France, are known for their deep orange color, sweet flavor, and tender texture. Growing 6-7 inches long, they mature in 65-75 days and thrive in well-drained soil with full sunlight.

Perfect for raw consumption, cooking, and juicing, they are popular among gardeners and farmers for their reliable growth and delicious taste.

Sugarsnax 54 Carrots

Sugarsnax 54 carrots, a Dutch variety, are sweet, tender, and dark orange. With smooth, 9-10 inch tapered roots, they are ideal for Northern regions.

As a short-day variety, they can be harvested in 28 days for early markets or 45 days for storage. Perfect for fresh consumption and storage, they offer versatility for growers and consumers alike.

Tonda di Parigi Carrot

Tonda di Parigi carrots, or Turin carrots, grow in Piedmont, Italy. Orange with a white tip, they are sown in October-November and harvested in January-February.

These sweet carrots thrive in sandy, loamy, or clay soil and are ideal for juicing and cooking.

Touchon Carrots

Touchon carrots are a Nantes-type variety ideal for fresh eating, cooking, roasting, and juicing due to their coreless and low-fiber nature.

They thrive in full sun, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, and are hardy in zones 3-10. Plant in late spring or early summer, spaced 12 inches between rows and 3 inches within, and harvest in 65 days. Watch for heavy frosts before planting.

White Satin Carrots

White Satin carrots, bred for their unique white color, offer a milder flavor and crisp texture, perfect for salads. Discovered accidentally in the 1950s by Australian farmers, these carrots were selectively bred to enhance their white color.

Yaya Carrots

Yaya carrots are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to grow their own carrots. They're a bunching Nantes-style variety with incomparable sweetness and a rich essence-of-carrot taste.

You can use them as a replacement for Bolero, a bunching Nantes-style variety. The roots are uniform and smooth, so you don't have to worry about getting unevenly shaped roots or ones that are misshapen. They're disease-resistant, so you won't have to worry about them getting attacked by insects or fungi.

Yaya carrots are stored well in a cool, dry spot for up to four months (like most good varieties). They're excellent for spring and fall crops just plant them when the soil is warm enough. They grow well in full sun or partial shade, with an ideal height of 12 inches, spacing of 4 inches apart, and a depth of ½ inch below ground level when planted on their side.

Yellowstone Carrots

The Yellowstone carrot is an heirloom variety of carrots that originated in the Yellowstone National Park region of the United States. It was developed in the late 1800s and early 1900s by Mennonite farmers who were settling in that area.

The Yellowstone carrot has a distinctive purple sheen that stands out from other varieties and has a sweet taste. The USDA considers this variety an heirloom because it has been passed down through families for generations.

FAQs

Which Carrot Is The Sweetest?

There are many different types of carrots, and they can vary in sweetness. Some of the sweetest carrots include the Honey Gold and Scarlet Nantes varieties.

These carrots are especially sweet when they are fresh and have not been stored for too long.

What Carrot is the Easiest to Grow?

There are many different types of carrots, but some are easier to grow than others. For example, "Imperator" carrots are relatively easy to grow and produce large, tasty roots.

However, "Nantes" carrots are even easier to grow and are ideal for beginners. Whichever type of carrot you choose, be sure to provide plenty of water and sunlight for best results.