Red carrots originated over five thousand years ago in present-day Afghanistan in Central Asia. What sets these carrots apart is clearly their deep burgundy color that is literally only skin deep, considering the flesh has a brilliant array of orange hues. Besides, they are crisp and yet tender, sweet as well as earthy, which is a direct signal of their derivation. Nutrition-wise, carrots are a particularly good source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants. As a matter of fact, the American Heart Association recommends consuming a fiber-rich diet and increasing potassium while reducing sodium intake to protect against high blood pressure and heart disease, and, of course, carrots offer a good balance of these nutrients.