How To Store Carrots In The Fridge

Carrots are so versatile in the sense that they can either be eaten raw or cooked. They are packed with a lot of vitamins and are loved by many. However, the problem with carrots is that they tend to wilt very fast and this compromises their texture as well as flavour. Luckily there are a few methods that you can do to prevent this from happening. Below is an article on how to store carrots in the fridge. Carefully follow it for the best results.

Contents

Preparation of carrots before storage

NB: before storing the carrots in the fridge, there are a few steps you need to take in order to ensure that your carrots can last for a longer period of time in the fridge.

Step 1

Start by cutting off the greens from the carrots. The reason for removing the green leaves is that, they drain the moisture from the roots. This causes the carrots to wilt faster.

Step 2

When you have cut off the green leaves and removed the stem do not wash the carrots. This is because if you wash them they will gain moisture, which will cause them to turn bad easily. You can only wash the carrots when you want to use them.

How to store carrots in the fridge

To store carrots in the fridge simply take a container then fill it with water. Place the carrots inside and cover it tightly before transferring them into the fridge, so that air does not enter. When the water starts changing its colour simply change it and place new water inside. The water might start changing its colour after 4 or 5 days so just make it a habit of removing the water.

Shelf life of carrots that are stored in the fridge

Carrots that are stored in the fridge can last for about a month. Therefore, you need to use them within that time frame or else they will turn bad.

Tips for storing carrots in the fridge

When you store your carrots in the fridge make sure you do not place them close to ethylene gas producing fruits like pears and apples. This is because the gas that these fruits produce helps carrots to turn bad fast.

Other methods of storing carrots

Store carrots in the freezer

Step 1

When storing carrots in the freezer you need to start by blanching them. To do this simply place water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Add the carrots inside for about 3 minutes then remove them. Place them inside an ice water bath so that they can cool down.

Step 2

Take a freezer safe container or freezer bag then place the carrots inside. You can also cut them into small pieces if you like. Label the carrots with the date in which you are placing them into the freezer. This will help you to recall on when they are most likely to go bad.

Step 3

When you have followed all the steps simply place the carrots in the freezer. They can last for about a year in the freezer.

Store carrots in an a root cellar

This is actually one of the best methods to use when storing carrots that is if you have a root cellar at your house. This is because a root cellar provides the conditions necessary to extend the shelf life of vegetables and fruits. It is cool and dry and if you store carrots there, they can last for 3 to 6 months. You can also take your carrots and place them inside a bucket. Cover the carrots with sand and place a lid on top. Regularly check on the carrots to see if they are still okay. If you see one carrot that is wilting simply take it out as it could affect all the other carrots.

Why carrots become soft when placed in the fridge

Most people often ask why their carrots soften up when placed in the fridge. The reason behind this is simple. When carrots are stored the wrong way that is when they tend to soften up, mainly due to the fact that they lose a lot of moisture. In order to prevent your carrots from softening in the fridge simply follow the steps highlighted above and also make sure you remove the green leaves from the carrots. This is because they have a tendency of sucking moisture from the roots.

How to use carrots

Carrots can be used to make a variety of dishes. However, there are a few things you need to take note of before using the carrots. The first thing you need to note is to wash you carrots before use. This is because when carrots are stored they are never washed so you need to do that. This helps to remove any germs. The next thing is to peel your carrots, but this is usually based on preference. Some people like to eat carrots with their original skins.

How to use carrot leaves or greens

Although the leaves are removed when storing carrots it doesn’t necessarily mean that they should be thrown away. In fact carrot leaves can actually be used when cooking a number of dishes. They are packed with a lot of vitamins and nutrients. They actually contain 6 times the amount of Vitamin C found in the carrot roots. Carrot leaves can be used when making vegetable broth as well as salads. So instead of throwing the leaves away you can always store them in your fridge.

How to store carrot leaves

Since carrot leaves can be eaten you need to know the proper method of storing them. To store the carrot leaves simply wrap them using a damp cloth and place them in the fridge. They can last for about a week. This is because they tend to wilt very fast. Therefore it is advisable to eat carrot leaves as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.