Carrots, a biennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family originated from Iran and was first domesticated in Asia in the 10th century. Naturally yellow or purple in color, were once used as much for their medicinal value as they were in culinary application in Asian regions.

Carrots were first consumed in Europe in the 12th century, but only in a limited manner, as parsnips were still widely eaten at the time. The orange carrots we know so well today only originated in the 17th century, produced by the Dutch following a cultural selection process. They soon became popular, then European colonization introduced this root to the American continent. Today, although orange carrots are still the most popular, old-fashioned vegetables are making a comeback.

Carrots are one of the easier and least fussy crops to grow. Danvers, one of the favorite varieties was developed in 1871 in Danvers, Massachusetts. A true American heirloom is one of the best home garden carrots. It is evident why generations of gardeners prefer Danvers Carrots. A high-yielding variety, it performs well in heavy and clay soils (where other varieties struggle). Its blocky-topped, tapered roots chunk up nicely at 6-8 in. long, have attractive red-orange skin and bright orange flesh—and they're nearly coreless. They store well and are crisp and sweet for eating fresh.