Punjab Agriculture University develops black colour carrot variety

NEW DELHI: After the red and orange coloured carrots, consumers could soon be munching black coloured carrots. The Punjab Agriculture University ( PAU) has developed its first black colour carrot variety PCB 5 also known as 'punjab black beauty', which has been recommended for general cultivation in the state.

As per vegetable scientists with large section of India's population deficient in micro-nutrients, the black carrot is the best alternative to tackle the malnutrition problems of the country because it is overloaded with beneficial anti-oxidants and nutrients.

""The black carrot is an excellent blood cleanser which cures anemia deficiency, constipation and stomach disorders, and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, ""said MS Dhaliwal, head, department of vegetable science, PAU.

Highlighting the salient features of the tropical variety TS Dhillon an expert of vegetable science said that its roots attain edible maturity after 93 days of sowing. The average root yield was 196 quintal per acre and fetched a premium price in the market due to its attractive purple-black roots.

The carrot variety has high nutraceutical values and is rich in anthocyanins, phenols, flavonols ß-carotene, calcium, iron, and zinc. Besides, its anti-oxidant activity is four times higher than red carrot, said Dhillon. The variety has an excellent quality characters and high juice content (585 ml/kg of roots), sugar (5.10%), total soluble solids (TSS-7.50 brix) and dry matter (10.87%), he highlighted. The fresh carrots are suitable for salad, juice, pickle and kanji which are good appetizer, he added.