1 week Ago
Carrots are a kitchen staple, cherished for their crunch and health benefits they'd add to one's diet. But they tend to lose freshness quickly if not stored properly. If you've ever dealt with limp, dry carrots, here’s a simple but effective tip: store them in airtight bags.
This method preserves their texture and taste, extending their shelf life considerably. Let’s dive into how and why this works, as well as some additional tips to keep your carrots at their best. 1.
Store carrots in an airtight bag to keep them fresh longer Using an airtight bag to store carrots can extend their freshness to 2-3 weeks and often up to 4 weeks if you add a slightly damp paper towel inside. This storage method locks in moisture, preventing the carrots from drying out and becoming limp. In contrast, carrots stored loosely in the fridge often last only 1 week, as they quickly lose water and become soft or develop white spots.
Add to cart now: Zip 'N' Lock vegetable storage bag 2. Avoid cutting carrots before storing them Whole, unpeeled carrots have a natural protective skin that helps retain moisture. If possible, wait to cut or peel them until you're ready to use them, as whole carrots store best.
However, if you need to cut them, place the pieces in an airtight container filled with a little water. This can keep cut carrots fresh for 1-2 weeks but won’t last as long as whole carrots. 3.
Add a slightly damp paper towel inside the airtight bag For even longer freshness, add a slightly damp paper towel to the airtight bag. The extra humidity helps prevent the carrots from drying out and losing their crunch. Be careful not to over-saturate, though—too much moisture can encourage mould.
This trick can help whole carrots stay fresh closer to 4 weeks. 4. Store carrots in the coldest part of the fridge Carrots thrive in colder temperatures, so store them in the fridge’s crisper drawer or at the back, where it’s usually coldest.
Pairing the cold temperature with an airtight bag can keep carrots crisp for up to 3-4 weeks. By contrast, loose carrots stored in warmer parts of the fridge will typically only last 1 week before showing signs of dehydration or spoilage. 5.
Keep carrots away from ethylene-producing fruits Ethylene gas, released by fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes, can speed up the ripening (and eventual spoiling) of nearby vegetables, including carrots. To maximize freshness, keep carrots in a separate drawer or bag away from these fruits. 6.
Check on carrots periodically Even when stored in an airtight bag, it’s a good idea to check on your carrots every few days. Remove any that show signs of softness or discolouration. Doing this can help prevent any spoiled carrots from affecting the others, helping the whole batch stay fresh for weeks.
Keep carrots fresher, longer Using an airtight bag for storage can easily double or even triple the shelf life of your carrots compared to leaving them loose in the fridge. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy fresh, crunchy carrots for up to a month!.
