Carrots are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, but they can also spoil quickly. Here’s how to store them to keep them fresh for longer.
Carrots are a beloved vegetable, praised for their nutritional value and versatility. Whether thrown into a hearty soup, tossed in a salad or served alongside your roast dinner, having a few in the fridge is always useful.
But whilst they’re great, there’s one major drawback – they can go off quite fast. The way you store them determines whether they’ll shrivel up completely or turn into a soggy mess, forcing you to bin them.
However, according to specialists at Good Food, there’s a simple trick that can keep them crisp and fresh for up to three months.
The experts note that whilst carrots are relatively hardy, it’s wise to have a quick look over them when you get them home from the shops. Always remove them from their packaging before storing, trim away any green tops and look out for any damaged spots, reports the Express.
Despite common misconception, they belong in the fridge, as the chilly environment slows down the chemical reactions that cause carrots to deteriorate.
How to store carrots
While keeping them refrigerated is essential, there’s one simple addition that significantly extends their shelf life – water.
The experts explained: “To maximise the length of time carrots remain edible, store them in the fridge, ideally in a sealed container with a shallow layer of water at the bottom.
“The water in the container helps the carrots remain crisp as these root vegetables naturally draw up moisture as and when they need it. Stored in the fridge, with a supply of water, carrots can last up to three months.”
However, storing peeled carrots that have already been prepared requires a slightly different approach. If you’re preparing healthy snacks or ingredients in advance, wrap them in a damp, clean tea towel and store them in the fridge.
Alternatively, place them in a sealed container with a shallow layer of water at the bottom, keeping it refrigerated.
And while it might be tempting, avoid washing carrots before storing them. The experts explained: “Traces of dirt on unwashed carrots act as an extra barrier, protecting them from dehydration.”
