Carrot back to purple roots

To keen gardeners such as the Prince of Wales, the purple carrot is nothing new.

Now the rest of us are set to sample its celebrated health-giving properties. The first dark purple carrots - which are orange on the inside - go on sale at branches of Sainsbury's in July.

Mark Spurdens of Isleham Fresh Produce, which is growing the first commercial crop, says the firm is confident. "We have had tastings and besides being healthy we think they are sweeter," he said. "They also look stunning sliced raw. We are planning to sell rainbow bunches next year."

In fact, for the carrot this latest development is something of a return to its roots. The first carrots were purple, white, red, yellow, green and black - not orange.

The carrot as we know it now was developed by 16th century Dutch growers who selected and improved existing yellow strains, then crossed them with red varieties.

Gardener dies after thorn prick
Charles picks up gardening tips