It's easy to just chuck carrots in the fridge after a food shop, but failing to store them properly can result in limp, slimy or even mouldy veggies. Surprisingly, carrots last longer when kept out of the fridge's veggie drawer and away from their plastic packaging, which can speed up their expiry. Carrots need a moist, cool storage spot and are highly sensitive to humidity changes. Low humidity in the fridge can cause wilting, while high humidity can trigger mould. Sarah Bond, a chef recipe developer and founder of Live Eat Learn, has revealed the "right way" to store carrots that keeps them crisp and fresh for up to four weeks. She said: "Let's walk through the best ways to store carrots so they stay fresh until you're ready to enjoy them!".
Once you bring carrots home from the supermarket, don't wash them. Instead, store them in an airtight container filled with water. Sarah explained: "[Carrots] are coated in a waxy layer that helps them last longer. If you scrub it off, it may reduce their storage life.". Carrots need balanced humidity, reports the Express. If the moisture level is too low, they'll dehydrate and become "soft" or "wrinkly", according to Sarah. She advised: "To prevent this, store whole unpeeled, unwashed carrots in a container, large jar, or sealable bag full of fresh water.".
"Once submerged, carrots remain extra crispy and crunchy for up to four weeks in the fridge." To keep the carrots fresh, the water should be replaced every four to five days. Storing carrots in an airtight container filled with water helps maintain the ideal level of moisture and humidity, keeping them fresh for a longer period. This method also reduces the carrots' exposure to air and bacteria, preventing them from drying out and keeping them cool.
Sarah advised: "You can store carrots in a bag in the crisper drawer, but they will lose moisture more quickly than if kept in water. Whenever possible, store carrots submerged in water.". You can also store chopped carrots in a water-filled container to extend their shelf life. Sarah added: "Similarly to whole carrots, keep already cut carrots submerged in a container, jar, or bag of fresh water. If kept this way, they will last for two to three weeks in the fridge.".
