What caused this carrot to look like this?

Question

There was a question earlier about a carrot that looks like 2 legs and a willy, that someone is selling on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rude-Shaped-Carrot-with-Penis-stands-upright-veg_W0QQitemZ230015865922QQihZ013QQcategoryZ88433QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). How does a carrot grow like that? is it some kind of mutation and, more importantly, would it be healthy to eat?

Answer 1

I don't want to take a peek at it, eww!

Answer 2

carrots are roots, so in the wild they grow to be all shapes and sizes and look more like regular plant roots, with a main stem and many shoots. it is through selective breeding that carrots have the straight, long and smooth shape common to our grocery stores.

carrots have a history of being selected for certain looks. originally they were purple and yellow, and were made to be orange by the dutch.

Answer 3

Carrots prefer a sandy soil but will still grow successfully in clay ones however the roots are more prone to splitting in clay soils. This is what causes "comedy carrots" soil type not nematodes or growing round stones

Answer 4

If you have ever grown carrots you will see they come in all shapes and sizes...but only the perfect carrot-shaped ones are sold to the supermarkets...so you will find the remainder in processed foods eg. soups etc

Answer 5

The earth in the ground an the rocks which might be in the way to stop it growing natually

Answer 6

This is usually caused by compact soil and yes it's healthy to eat.

Answer 7

It's a root. Roots spread out.

Answer 8

It is healthy to eat and is not that uncommon.

Answer 9

Your imagination is getting the better of you.

Answer 10

nematodes, it is still a carrot