The best way to store carrots long-term is the plastic bag method. Storing carrots in aluminum foil or covering them in sawdust will keep your carrots fresh, but you should consider a few things before trying these methods.
Do you want your carrots to stay fresh but can’t figure out why they go floppy when kept in the refrigerator? Vegetables often wilt when they are dehydrated. They lose water through evaporation and might go limp in a few days.
This article covers all you should know about storing carrots. Continue reading this guide to learn more about retaining carrots’ quality, crunchiness, and flavor.
Methods To Store Carrots Long Term
Listed below are methods you can use to store fresh carrots without using a refrigerator:
1. Plastic Bag Method
This is the most simple and efficient method. All you need is plastic bags, a rubber band, and carrots.
Once you’ve bought fresh carrots from the market, cut their stems and wash them properly. Put the carrots on a paper towel, or use a clean cotton cloth to dry them.
When dried, replace the used towel with a new one. Place the carrots next to each other with some space in between them. It is important to follow this step because even though it might look like the carrots are completely dry, they will release some moisture in an hour or so.
Next, put the dried carrots in a plastic bag and close it using the rubber band. Keep in mind that you do not make the knot too tight. If you completely seal the plastic bag, it will collect moisture, leading them to rot.
Store it in a cool and dry place and enjoy fresh carrots for about 2 months.
Fun Fact: Did you know carrots are made of 88% water? According to a report, the water content in carrots ranges from 86%-88%. [1]
2. Aluminum Foil Method
This method requires aluminum foil and carrots. Wash carrots so that they are free of dirt and debris. Dry them just the way I mentioned in the plastic bag method.
Wrap the dried carrots in aluminum foil but leave space so the moisture can escape. Place them in a cool and dry area, and you can use them for 1-2 months.
3. Saw Dust Or Sanding Method
Another great method to store carrots without refrigerating them is the sawdust or sandbox method. Using this method, you can potentially store carrots for 6 months!
To do this, you will need the following:
- a container or a box,
- sand or sawdust and
- carrots
Cut off the greens. Next, at the bottom of the container, add a 2-inch layer of either sand or sawdust. Place the carrots evenly on top and add sand/sawdust over them. Make sure the carrots are properly covered. Add some more dry carrots on top and cover them with sand.
Repeat this process until you have filled the container midway. Then finish it by adding 3-4 inches of sawdust or sand.
Place the container in a cool, dry place. This way, you can preserve the vegetable, and they can remain fresh for about 4-6 months.
4. Dehydration Method
Storing carrots via the dehydrating method helps in preserving their color and flavor. Follow the steps below to ensure they stay fresh.
- Chop off the carrot greens and remove the carrot ends. You can use these as compost or save them for vegetable stock.
- Wash all your carrots thoroughly. Use a vegetable brush if you can.
- I suggest you peel the carrots, but that is totally up to you. Peeling them is optional, but an unpeeled carrot has a certain bitterness. Peeled carrots have a more sweet taste. If you don’t mind having unpeeled carrots when you have them raw, it will not bother you when you cook your dried carrots.
- Cut the raw carrots in whatever shape you like.
- Boil the sliced carrots for 2-3 minutes. This step is not necessary but is important if you want your carrots to retain their bright orange color.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that carrots come in various colors? The color varies from yellow, white, red, orange, and even purple!
- After you have boiled the carrots, run them through ice-cold water immediately.
- Now, place the blanched carrots in layers on the tray of your dehydrator. There should be enough spaces between the soft carrots so that none of them touch.
- Put the tray in the dehydrator and set the temperature to 125°F or 52°C. Keep your dehydrator switched on until all the pieces are completely dried. They should be crispy when dried. This process will usually take up to 6-11 hours, depending on the room’s humidity and how thickly or thinly you have sliced the carrots.
- Switch off the dehydrator and let the carrots cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Close the lid tightly and store your carrot pieces in a cool and dark place. Keep it away from direct heat, as it might lose color and vitamin A content.
Steps To Store Baby Carrots
To store baby carrots, follow the steps given below:
- Store the newly-packaged baby carrots in their original bag until you are ready to use them.
- Once you have opened the original packet, transfer the baby carrots to a regular plastic bag, but do not tightly seal the top to allow air to enter the bag and extra moisture to escape.
- Put the baby carrots in a plastic bag and keep them in the freezer section of the fridge for about 2 weeks. Discard any carrots that start to shrink throughout the storage time because a rotten carrot may hasten the decay of the other good carrots.
Top Tip: You can also preserve carrots by pickling them. If you like pickled carrots, try pickling them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Carrots Be Stored At Room Temperature?
Storing root vegetables without a refrigerator might be difficult, but carrots can be stored at room temperature. However, they will only last for 3-4 days. You can store them in any of the ways mentioned above to increase their shelf life. If you do, however, want them to store at room temperature, make sure to store them in a cool and dry place.
How To Store Carrots in Winter?
You can store carrots in a root cellar or another area with wintertime temperatures maintained between 32° and 39° F (0° and 4° C). You can also freeze carrots in the refrigerator. To do this, place the unwashed carrots in Ziploc bags, sealed shut to prevent air from leaking in, and kept in the refrigerator’s coldest section.
How Can I Get My Carrots Back To Their Original Firmness?
In a bowl of cool, clean water, slice off the bottoms, then set the bowl in the coldest rack of your refrigerator. Although you can use them for approximately an hour of soaking, if you wait until the next day, you will have the crunchiest carrots!
In Summary
Knowing how to store carrots long-term is a great way to ensure your vegetable garden produces enough carrots for the whole family. Storing them in an insulated container with sand or sawdust keeps them fresh and crisp until you’re ready to use them.
Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity, as these can both contribute to rot and decay. Additionally, following proper food safety protocols, such as washing and cooling before storage, will help keep your carrots safe and healthy while they are stored.
