Question: What were medieval carrots like?
Medieval carrots were much the same size as modern ones and came in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, brown, and purple. Examples can be seen in the paintings below.
It is popularly believed that orange carrots were developed after the medieval period, however research has conclusively shown that to be incorrect. See Carrot: History and Iconography by John Stolarczyk and Jules Janick for details.
Detail from "Christ in the House of Mary and Martha"
Vincenzo Campi, before 1591.
Detail from "Christ and the Adulteress"
Pieter Aertsen, 1559.
Detail from "Cook in front of the Stove"
Pieter Aertsen, 1559.
Detail from "Vegetable Seller"
Joachim Beuckelaer, after 1530
Detail from "Woman Selling Vegetables"
Joachim Beuckelaer, after 1530
Detail from "Market Woman with Fruit, Vegetables and Poultry"
Joachim Beuckelaer, after 1564
Detail from "Market Woman with Vegetable Stall"
Pieter Aertsen, 1567
Detail from "The Vegetable Market"
Joachim Beuckelaer, 1567
Detail from "Still Life"
Juan Sanchez Cotán, ca. 1600
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