How to Store Carrots in 6 Easy Ways and Make Them Last
Updated on March 2, 2023
Most people know that carrots are a healthy vegetable to include in their diet. What many don’t know, however, is how to store carrots so that they stay fresh and crisp. Keep reading to find out the right way to do it.
Carrots are exceptionally nutritious vegetables with some impressive health benefits. Curiously enough, they don’t store so well over time. If you are not careful with these orange vegetables, they will quickly become slimy and gain dark spots – signs that you have to throw them away.
However, if you learn the correct ways to store carrots, you will be able to enjoy them longer in the comfort of your home. At the same time, you can reduce waste and save money.
Health Benefits: Are Carrots Good for You?
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a natural anti-oxidant that makes them particularly healthy for both your body and your eyesight. They’re also high in fiber content, which is good for weight management.
Furthermore, the carrot contains other antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamin A, potassium, fiber, manganese, and calcium. It helps prevent macular degeneration, strengthen bones, lower blood pressure, and increase blood flow to the skin.
How to Store Carrots
Carrots are easy to grow and easier to store. However, if you can’t grow your own, it’s recommended to purchase organic carrots rather than conventionally grown ones since they don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Check out the following tips and tricks for storing carrots properly:
1. Wrapping up the carrots
One easy way to increase the shelf life of your carrots is by wrapping them in newspaper or paper bags before placing them in storage.
This simple trick works because the paper acts as a barrier between your carrots and any excess water or sunlight that may be lingering in your home.
2. Place carrots in sand
Who would have thought that something as simple as sand could be used to preserve vegetables? Well, it’s true. Start by washing and completely drying carrots.
Then, place them in a large bucket or box filled with sand – try to aim for about 50% sand and 50% carrots. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed before storing the box (preferably inside). You can store carrots for up to 2 weeks this way before transferring them back to normal storage conditions.
3. Store carrots outside
If you have a generous garden, set up hay bales with carrots or tuck them away behind rocks or shrubbery. Make sure to pick a spot where they’ll receive sunlight – not too much, though. The reason is that carrots stored outside may dry out and become sunburned.
4. Use an unheated garage
Believe it or not, if you have wood floors or tile flooring in your garage, freezing temperatures won’t affect the quality of your carrots! Ensure the storage space is dark and well ventilated – plastic bags are perfect for this type of storage.
If possible, leave your carrots in this place for at least 2 weeks before bringing them back to normal storage conditions.
5. Store carrots in the fridge
A simple and convenient way to keep these vegetables fresh for a long time is by storing the carrots in your fridge. Besides, they will be nice and fresh when you’re ready to eat them. Just make sure to completely clean and dry them before refrigeration.
6. Store carrots in water
Storing carrots in water is a simple process that can help you extend the life of these orange vegetables for several days in the refrigerator. Put the carrots in a container, add water to cover them, and seal the container with a lid or plastic wrap. When the water starts to look cloudy after a couple of days, just replace it.
How to Store Carrots (FAQ)
Discover more useful information about carrots and how to them store correctly.
Are carrots vegetables?
Yes, carrots are a part of the root vegetable family, which also includes turnips and radishes.
How long do carrots last in the fridge?
If you store them properly, refrigerated carrots should last for about 2 weeks.
Can you freeze carrots?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze carrots in order to extend their shelf life – up to 9 or 12 months. However, you should know that carrots absorb water during the thawing process.
To counteract this, blanch your peeled and cut carrots in boiling hot water for 5 minutes before placing them in freezer bags. This way, you avoid excess water from ruining your dish.
How to store cooked carrots?
You can store cooked carrots in an airtight container in the fridge, and they should last up to 1 week. If you want them to last more than that (up to 6 months), consider freezing the carrots.
However, it’s best to use the blanching technique because it ensures you will take advantage of the vegetable’s nutrients and antioxidants.
How long do cooked carrots last?
Cooked carrots will typically stay fresh for up to 1 week if stored correctly – no more than that though.
What’s the best way to store carrots?
The best way to store carrots is by using a combination of all techniques we previously described:
- Keep the carrots in paper bags or newspapers outside for 2 weeks.
- Transfer the veggies to a large box filled with sand in your garage.
- Move the carrots inside your home and keep them in the fridge.
- Consume healthy and fresh carrots when you’re ready to eat or use them in recipes.
This process ensures the maximum shelf life for your carrots. At the same time, it saves you money at the supermarket.
Do you have to peel carrots?
Yes, you should always peel carrots before eating them raw or cooking them. It’s because bacteria may live on their skin. Plus, you will remove any dirt that might be stuck to the vegetables.
Do carrots go bad?
Yes, carrots eventually go bad and lose their nutrients and flavor. They will also become soggy and won’t taste as good as they did before. Instead of peeling, you can just scrub off the dirt.
How long do carrots last?
If you store raw carrots in the fridge, they will stay fresh for about 2 weeks. This means you can eat for up to 1 month after purchase.
How to store carrots from the garden?
If you grew some carrots, make sure to blanch them before storing them in the fridge. This process will prevent your vegetables from becoming soft and losing all of their nutrients. Plus, it will ensure they are super fresh!
What’s the best way to store baby carrots?
To store baby carrots, you should use the same techniques we described above. Just make sure to keep them in a sealed container or a freezer bag.
How to can carrots?
Canned carrots last for up to 2 years without losing their nutrients or flavor. Here’s what you need to do:
- Wash the carrots and peel off their skin.
- Cut them into smaller pieces or slices.
- Blanche the carrots for 10 minutes in boiling water.
- Transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water and leave them for 10 minutes.
- Seal the carrots in sterilized jars with salt brine – use 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of water.
- Store the cans in a dark and cold place.
How to freeze baby carrots?
Freezing baby carrots is easy, and they should last for up to 6 months! Here’s what you need to do:
- Thoroughly wash the carrots. Make sure to remove any dirt or sand stuck on them.
- Remove their green leaves and stems.
- Cut off both ends of the carrot, because they will get mushy after thawing if left intact.
- Peel off the carrots.
- Blanche the veggies for 5 to 10 minutes in boiling water.
- Transfer them to a bowl full of ice-cold water. Leave them for 10 more minutes or until they are cold to the touch.
- Dry the carrots completely with paper towels.
- Place them in freezer bags, making sure to label each bag with its name and date of preparation.
Why are my carrots soft?
There are several factors that might cause the carrots to become soft: bacteria or fungus found on their skin, incorrect freezing technique, or faulty storage techniques.
Are slimy carrots safe to eat?
No, it’s better to throw them away, even if they are slimy baby carrots. It indicates bacteria living on the skin, which won’t be removed by simply cleaning the carrots.
Are carrot tops safe to eat?
Carrot leaves are edible but should never be eaten raw. They contain too many chemicals that might irritate your stomach.
Can dogs eat carrots?
Yes, it’s safe for dogs to eat carrots but not raw. Instead, consider cooking the carrots for your canine friends. They are an excellent source of fiber and beta-carotene, which are beneficial for your dog’s health.
Can cats eat carrots?
Yes, carrots are safe for cats to eat, but they should only be given as a treat. It’s because this vegetable doesn’t contain too many nutrients that your feline friends need.
Furthermore, just like in the case of dogs, it’s better to cook the carrots when feeding your feline companions since raw carrots are a choking hazard.
Can I juice carrots?
Yes, it’s possible to juice carrots or add them to other juices. This way, you won’t lose any nutrients. Plus, veggies like cabbage, kale, and broccoli will help mask the overwhelming sweetness of carrots.
How long can I store carrot juice?
It’s best to drink your fresh-made juice within 24 hours. If you really need to store it for more than a day, make sure to keep it in the fridge and consume it as soon as possible after opening! It’s also possible to freeze carrot juice.
How many calories are in a carrot?
A large carrot contains 30 calories, a medium one has 25 calories, and a small one has 21 calories. Keep in mind that every 1/2 cup (100 g) of carrots equals 41 calories.
How many carbs are in carrots?
A 1/2 cup (100 g) of carrots contains 1 tsp (6 g) of carbohydrates.
How many calories are in baby carrots?
A 1/2 cup (100 g) of baby carrots includes 35 calories, so they are a bit healthier than standard carrots.
Are carrots keto?
Yes, carrots are keto and low-carb.
How to cook carrots?
There are many ways to cook carrots, including boiling, grilling, roasting, or baking. You can also eat them raw in salads, juice them, or include them in delicious smoothies.
How to roast carrots?
Here’s a simple way to roast carrots:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
- Mix carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat every carrot in the mixture. If you like, you can also add other spices like cumin or paprika!
- Feel free to use your hands instead of a spoon – it will be more fun this way!
- Spread the carrots on your baking tray and roast for 15 minutes.
How long to boil carrots?
It takes between 10 and 30 minutes to boil whole carrots, depending on their size. To speed up the boiling process, you should cut the carrots into slices or even chop them.
How to grow carrots?
You can grow carrots from seeds or root cuttings. It’s best to plant the seeds in early spring and protect them from mice and rabbits as they grow. As a rule, you can leave carrots inside throughout the winter season – they will simply become sweeter.
Are carrots good for your eyes?
Yes, carrots are good for your eyes. They provide vitamin A, which helps you maintain healthy eyesight.
How to julienne carrots?
You can julienne carrots by using a sharp knife. Place the larger end of the carrot on the cutting board and slice it into long pieces that resemble thin trees.
How to make carrot cake?
We have prepared a mouth-watering carrot cake recipe with cashew cream cheese frosting for you, so be sure to check it out.
Final Thoughts on Storing Carrots
Carrots are incredibly healthy and can help you maintain a balanced diet. They also taste amazing in a variety of dishes, including salads, juices, smoothies, roasted vegetables, cakes, pies, and even soups!
To keep your carrots fresh for as long as possible while still enjoying their benefits, learn how to store them properly. We hope that our tips and tricks are of service!
Do you know of other methods to store carrots? Let us know in the comment section below!