Scarlet Nantes carrots are known for their sweet, crisp flavor and bright orange color. They have a cylindrical shape with blunt ends, which makes them easy to snack on or cook with. These carrots are popular for their uniform shape and tender texture, making them ideal for both raw consumption and cooking.
The history of Scarlet Nantes carrots traces back to the 19th century in Nantes, France, where they were first described in 1885. Louis Dutot, a horticulturist, is credited with developing this variety by crossbreeding wild carrots with traditional types. Originally, carrots were not orange; the cultivation of orange carrots like the Scarlet Nantes was part of a broader shift in carrot breeding preferences in Europe.