The vegetable scientists of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here have given the huge malnourished section of Indian population the best solution: black carrot.
Loaded with beneficial anti-oxidants and micronutrients, the vegetable is an excellent blood cleanser, and so can help cure anaemia, constipation, and stomach disorders. "It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties," said PAU vegetable science department head MS Dhaliwal, adding: "The PAU has named its first black carrot variety Punjab Black Beauty."
The university has recommended the tropical carrot variety for general cultivation in the state. "Its roots become edible after 93 days of sowing," said vegetable scientist TS Dhillon.
Its leaves are dark green with purplish petiole and the roots are purple-black, 25-centimetre-long, 3.20 cm in diameter, and conical. "The roots can stay in the field for over a fortnight after reaching edible maturity," said Dhillon.
Juicy prospect
{{/usCountry}}Juicy prospect
{{/usCountry}}196 quintals average yield from each acrepremium price to farmer because of attractive purple-black roots.
Nutritional value
Rich in anthocyanins, phenols, flavonols ?-carotene, calcium, iron, and zincAnti-oxidant activity four times higher than red carrotExcellent quality characters and high juice contentJuice (585 ml/kg of roots); sugar (5.10%); total soluble solids (TSS-7.50 brix); dry matter (10.87%)Suitable for salad, juice, pickle, kanji (appetizer).