What two key pigments dictate the distinct coloration of the red carrot root?
Answer
Anthocyanins and Lycopene
The striking, deep coloration characteristic of the red carrot variety is specifically attributed to two principal compounds present in high concentration: anthocyanins and lycopene. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments that fall under the flavonoid class and are responsible for many deep red, blue, and purple shades seen in nature, such as in berries. Lycopene is a carotenoid that, while famously found in tomatoes, is also significant in red carrots. These two substances are the primary source of the celebrated antioxidant attributes that distinguish the red carrot from standard orange varieties, shifting the nutritional focus away from Vitamin A precursors toward potent antioxidant diversity.
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