A purple carrot is a root vegetable characterized by its deep purple exterior and an interior that is often white, yellow, or orange, such as in varieties like Cosmic Purple. These carrots are high in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, and have a range of flavors from peppery to intensely sweet depending on the variety. They are visually unique, provide a firm, crunchy texture, and offer nutritional benefits similar to traditional orange carrots but with added antioxidants.