Carrots Used to Be Purple: How the Dutch Made Them Orange for Political Reasons
Carrots weren’t always the bold orange vegetable we recognize today. For centuries, most were purple, with yellow and white also appearing. Their change in color occurred in the Netherlands at a time when farming, trade, and national identity later came to intersect in unexpected ways.
The popular claim is that farmers bred orange carrots to honor the royal House of Orange. Others argue the shift came from agricultural improvements and market demand. To understand its history, it is helpful to examine both the origins of carrot farming and the political context of the Dutch Republic.
From Purple Roots To A Golden Age
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Wild carrots first appeared white or pale. They were domesticated in Persia about 5,000 years ago, and purple and golden types became the main varieties for centuries. By the 1500s, the Netherlands had become both an agricultural hub and a trading power. The Dutch East India Company helped circulate seeds and botanical knowledge across regions, and local horticulturalists began experimenting.
Their crossbreeding efforts produced a carrot that grew well in the country’s wet climate, was more uniform than purple strains, and yielded reliably. It also sold better at markets across Europe. The success pushed orange carrots into wider circulation.
The House Of Orange And A Color Of Identity
During the time when orange carrots were gaining ground, the Low Countries were fighting Spanish rule. William of Orange-Nassau, remembered as the “Father of the Netherlands,” led the resistance. His title came from a small French principality, but the color orange became a powerful emblem of independence during the revolt. Soldiers carried orange banners, and the dynasty’s name soon defined Dutch identity.
When orange carrots appeared, many associated them with the House of Orange. While there is no evidence that farmers bred them intentionally as a patriotic tribute, the overlap in timing meant they were quickly linked with the dynasty’s symbolism. In later years, political factions even banned carrots from markets when they were seen as signs of loyalty to the royal house.
Myth, Trade, And Timing
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The claim that orange carrots were bred solely to honor William of Orange doesn’t hold up under historical scrutiny. Spanish records show both purple and orange varieties in cultivation during the medieval period, possibly introduced by traders moving through North Africa and Iberia.
Having said that, the Dutch achieved refinement and scale. They made orange varieties dominant through consistent breeding, reliable yields, and extensive trade. Exports carried these carrots across Europe.
Orange in the Netherlands eventually spread into traditions, symbols, and public celebrations. Today, the country still celebrates that connection. King’s Day fills streets and canals with seas of orange clothing, flags, and decorations. Dutch fans at soccer matches and Formula One races do the same.