Xylem & Phloem

While working as an intern at the Dallas Arboretum, I learned more about plants and horticulture than you can imagine. The most astonishing aspect of today's horticulture industry is the incredible number of new plant varieties that are introduced every year. All-American Selections is a national trial program that tests new cultivars for their overall quality and performance in the garden and awards "winner" designations to those that "wowed" the judges.

One of this year's winners that caught my eye is the Purple Haze Carrot, named in honor of rocker Jimi Hendrix. Can you believe your eyes? A deep purple carrot!  AAS notes:

'Purple Haze' is the only imperator-shaped purple carrot. Purple is a very trendy color and gourmet chefs are always looking for a new vegetable color. 'Purple Haze' has a purple exterior and orange interior. Circles of cut 'Purple Haze' carrots have two distinct colors: a halo of purple with a bright orange center. The best appearance of 'Purple Haze' will be raw in salads or cole slaw. When cooked in water, the purple color will fade. When carrots are cooked quickly, as in a stir-fry, the purple color will remain. Best of all, 'Purple Haze' tastes great. It has a sweet flavor no matter what color. 

Although AAS varieties are not organic certified, they are rather exciting. I'm definitely going to try this variety in the Xylem & Phloem garden. Let's see if it's still a winner using only organic methods!