common name of plants of the genus Daucus, cultivated from ancient times for their large, tapering, edible root, c. 1500, karette, from French carrotte, from Latin carota, from Greek karōton "carrot," probably from PIE *kre-, from root *ker- (1) "horn; head," and so called for its horn-like shape. A Middle English name for the wild carrot was dauke (late 14c.), from Latin.
The plant originally was white-rooted and was a medicinal plant to the ancients, who used it as an aphrodisiac and to prevent poisoning. Not entirely distinguished from parsnips in ancient times. A purple-rooted variety existed perhaps as early as 7c. in Afghanistan and was introduced in Europe by Arabs c. 1100. It was cultivated into the modern orange root 16c.-17c. in the Netherlands. Thus the word's use as a color name is not recorded before 1670s in English; originally it referred to yellowish-red hair.
The theory that carrots are good for the eyesight may have begun in ancient times, but it was "much embroidered in the Second World War, when, in order to encourage the consumption of carrots, one of the few foodstuffs not in short supply, the British authorities put it about that pilots of night-fighter aircraft consumed vast quantities to enable them to see in the dark." [Ayto, "Diner's Dictionary"]
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I'm a plant enthusiast with a deep understanding of botanical history and a focus on plants of the genus Daucus. My knowledge spans from the ancient cultivation practices to the modern-day evolution of these plants. Let's delve into the fascinating world of carrots.
The common name "carrot" finds its roots in the Latin "carota," which can be traced back to the Greek "karōton." The etymology suggests a connection to the PIE root *kre-, associated with "horn" or "head," likely referring to the characteristic horn-like shape of the edible root.
In medieval times, the wild carrot was known as "dauke," a term borrowed from Latin. Originally, it had a white root and served medicinal purposes, including use as an aphrodisiac and antidote to poisoning. Interestingly, it wasn't clearly distinguished from parsnips in ancient times.
A unique purple-rooted variety appeared around the 7th century in Afghanistan, later introduced to Europe by Arabs around 1100. The modern orange root we commonly associate with carrots emerged through cultivation in the Netherlands between the 16th and 17th centuries.
The use of the word "carrot" as a color name is a more recent development, not recorded before the 1670s in English. Initially, it referred to yellowish-red hair.
One intriguing historical note revolves around the belief that carrots contribute to good eyesight. While this idea may have ancient origins, it gained prominence during the Second World War. British authorities, seeking to promote carrot consumption, spread the notion that pilots of night-fighter aircraft consumed large quantities to enhance their vision in the dark.
This journey through the history of carrots showcases their cultural, culinary, and even wartime significance, revealing a fascinating tapestry of botanical evolution and human perception. If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
