Carrots feature a cheery orange colors and a refreshingly sweet yet earthy flavor profile that spruces up any summer BBQ meal. They are easy to plant and grow, whether you want to add them to your vegetable or container garden. Plus, you can even grow them from scraps!
However, once your carrots are ready, you might wonder how to store them properly. Fortunately, this guide has compiled a list of all the best methods and tips for storing these veggies. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge you need to enjoy your carrot harvest all season long!
Tools You'll Need
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Apart from freshly harvested carrots, there are a few tools you'll need to store your yield. Depending on the method you choose, some items will be essential while others will be optional. Check them out below.
- Air tight container(s)
- Plastic bag(s)
- Perforated plastic bag(s)
- Carrot peeler
- Knife
- Pot
- Colander or blanching basket
How to Store Fresh Carrots
Refrigeration
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When storing whole carrots, always keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Place them in a perforated plastic bag and keep them at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. The carrots should last several weeks in these conditions.
Unperforated bags are not ideal for unpeeled, uncut carrots as they can create too much humidity and lead to mold or bacteria growth.
Peeled and cut carrots have a higher risk of drying out, so keep them in an air-tight container or sealed plastic bag. You can also wet a paper towel and wrap it around the carrots to keep them hydrated; They should last around three weeks.
You can also store cooked carrots in an air-tight container in the fridge, though they'll last around three to four days.
Freezing
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Freezing carrots is ideal for easy dinners and meal prepping. To freeze carrots, start by cleaning, peeling, and chopping them as desired. Then, blanch them in one gallon of water per pound of vegetables.
To water blanch, place the veggies in a blanching basket or colander and submerge in boiling water with a lid for two to five minutes, depending on the size of the carrots. Cool the carrots by immersing them in ice water. Next, drain the carrots and place them in an air-tight bag or container for freezing. You can even store pre-cooked carrots in the freezer for up to 10 months.
Pro Tip: Freeze with other veggies for an easy soup or stir-fry!
Canning
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Canning is a great way to preserve carrots, and you can opt for sliced or diced, depending on your preference. There are several methods for canning carrots, though start by washing, peeling, and chopping the veggies. You can pickle carrots, pureé them, and even turn them into juice, but the most effective way to can them is pressure-canning - Storage will depend on the canning method you choose.
Pressure canning is a process that includes heating a product above the temperature of boiling water, reaching 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Vegetables and meats such a poultry, must be stored this way to avoid botulism.
Can You Store Carrots in Water?
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If you've been surfing the internet, perhaps you've read that carrots stored in water retain a delicious flavor and crunch.
While storing carrots in water is possible, they won't last very long in the fridge. The water needs daily changing, making this higher maintenance than regular storage options but, it's a useful method. Just make sure to cut off the top of the carrot before submerging.
Not to mention the carrots will be more susceptible to rot, which is usually the case when fruits and vegetables are wet. Overall, it's not the best idea to store your carrots in the water but it will work.
Tips for Storing Fresh Carrots
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Now that you know the different methods for storing carrots, there are a few tips to remember to ensure they last as long as possible. Check out the do's and do not's below!
- Separate carrot tops from the taproot. The carrot top may soak up moisture, causing the carrot to dry out faster.
- Don't rinse or wash carrots until you are ready to use them. Similar to rules for storing potatoes, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables, washing and storing carrots can result in mold growth.
- Store carrots away from fruits that produce ethylene, such as tomatoes, as they can cause the carrots to rot or become bitter.
Rooting For You!
Refrigeration is the best way to store your carrots if you want to reach for some fresh veggies every so often. Keeping them in the crisper is the best way to ensure they last. If you want to preserve your carrots, freezing and pressure canning are excellent and effective options.
No matter which method you choose to store your carrots, they'll last much longer than if you leave them on the counter!
Do you have any tips for storing these veggies? Share in the comments below!