When you’re harvesting carrots from the garden, it’s important to know how to store them properly so they last as long as possible. In this epic guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about storing carrots! We’ll cover topics such as how to choose the right storage container, how to prevent dehydration, and how to keep your carrots fresh for weeks or even months. So read on for tips and tricks that will help you store your carrots like a pro!
When to Harvest Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A and carotene. They are also a good source of fiber, B vitamins, potassium, and copper.
So no wonder that many people want to know how to store carrots from the garden!
You can use carrots in two ways: storage carrots and instant consumption. Storage carrots are used for winter and can be stored for up to 12 months in the right conditions, while instant carrots are eaten immediately after harvest.
To test if your carrots are ready, grab hold of the carrot top and give it a little tug. If it resists coming out of the ground then it needs a few more days. If it comes out easily, then it’s time to harvest! [1] [2]
How to Harvest Carrots
Now that you know when to harvest your carrots, it’s time to learn how!
Gently pull them from the soil
The first step is to gently pull them from the soil. You don’t want to damage the carrots, so be careful not to yank them out. If the carrot top breaks off, that’s okay! The root will still be edible. Carrots can also be harvested with a spade or shovel. Just be careful not to damage the roots.
Wash their roots
Once you’ve harvested your carrots, it’s time to wash their roots. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to them. Gently scrub the carrots with a brush under running water. You can also soak them in a bowl of water for a few minutes.
Remove the leafy tops
The next step is to remove the leafy tops. This can be done by hand or with a knife. Carrots don’t need their leaves to grow, so you can compost them or throw them away. After you’ve removed the leafy tops, your carrots are ready to be stored! [1]
How to Store Carrots
If you plan on storing carrots in your garden, it’s important to do so properly. Carrots are root vegetables, which means they’re susceptible to rot and decay if not stored correctly.
Only store healthy carrots
The first step is to only store healthy carrots. Carrots that are bruised, cut, or damaged in any way will not last as long as whole, intact carrots. Inspect your carrots carefully before storing them and discard any that are not in good condition.
Store them in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge
Once you’ve selected only the healthiest carrots, you can store them in a perforated plastic bag in your fridge. Be sure to label the bag with the date so you know when they were stored.
To freeze carrots, wash and chop them into the desired size. Blanch the carrots by boiling them for two to three minutes. Cool the carrots immediately in a bowl of iced water. Once cooled, drain the carrots and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the carrots in a freezer-safe bag or container and label them with the date. Frozen carrots will last up to three months in the freezer.
Store them in the basement
A great way to store carrots for a long period of time is in a cool, dark place such as a cellar or basement. If you don’t have a basement, another option is to store them in an unheated garage or shed. Carrots can also be stored in the fridge, but this isn’t ideal as they may start to lose their flavor and become limp.
To keep your carrots fresh for as long as possible, make sure they’re clean and dry before storing them. You can brush off any dirt with a soft cloth or brush, but don’t wash them as this will remove the natural wax that helps protect them from drying out.
When it comes to packing carrots for storage, there are a few different options. You can wrap them loosely in paper towels or place them in a perforated plastic bag. If you’re planning on storing them for more than a couple of weeks, it’s best to store them in a container of sand or sawdust. This will help keep them from drying out.
Avoid moisture
The important step to take is to make sure you’re storing your carrots in a dry environment. This means avoiding any place that has high humidity, such as a basement or garage. If possible, find a spot in your home that’s cool and dark, like a pantry or cupboard.
Too much moisture can cause them to rot, so make sure the container you’re using is well-ventilated. You can also add a layer of dry rice to the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Once you’ve found the perfect storage spot, the next step is to get your carrots ready for storage. Start by giving them a good wash, then trim off the green tops. You can store carrots with the tops still on, but they won’t last as long this way.
Don’t expose them to freezing temperatures
This is important because carrots are a cool-season crop. They can withstand some frost, but if the temperatures dip too low, the roots will start to freeze. This causes them to lose their sweetness and become mushy.
The best way to store carrots is in a cool, dark place as we just mentioned. If you don’t have either of those, you can store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Just make sure they’re in a plastic bag so they don’t dry out.
Keep an eye on pests
One of the most important things to keep in mind when storing carrots is to watch out for pests. Carrots are a prime target for pests like rabbits and mice, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation. If you find that your carrots have been infested with pests, the best course of action is to throw them away and start fresh.
Keep an eye on decay
Pests aren’t the only thing you need to worry about when storing carrots; the disease can also be a problem. Carrot diseases are usually fungal or bacterial in nature and can cause your carrots to rot or decay.
To avoid disease, it’s important to store your carrots in a clean, dry place. If possible, try to store them in a sealed container or bag to keep out moisture and pests.
If you notice any carrots that are starting to rot, be sure to remove them from the rest of the batch. Rotting carrots can spread disease and make the rest of your batch go bad more quickly.
If you catch rot early, it’s possible to save the carrot by trimming off the affected areas and then storing it in a cool, dry place. However, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard any decayed carrots. [1] [2]
FAQ
Should you wash garden carrots before storing them?
It is not necessary to wash carrots before storing them unless they are particularly dirty. If you do choose to wash them, make sure they are completely dry before putting them in storage. Wet carrots are more likely to develop rot or mold while in storage.
If your carrots have any green tops still attached, make sure to cut these off before storing the carrots. The greens will pull moisture out of the roots, causing them to shrivel and spoil more quickly.
How long can you store carrots from the garden?
Carrots can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months when stored properly. The key is to keep them cool and dry, as they are susceptible to rot if they are exposed to too much moisture.
One way to extend the shelf life of carrots is to store them in a plastic bag with holes punched in it. This will allow them to breathe while still keeping them relatively dry. Another option is to store them in a container filled with sand, which will also help to keep them dry.
How do you harvest and store carrots from the garden?
Carrots are one of the easier vegetables to store in the garden. They can be kept in a cool, dark place for several months. To harvest, simply pull them up by the roots. Be sure to clean off any dirt or debris before storing. Carrots can be stored in a number of ways, including in a root cellar, covered and refrigerated, or even frozen.
How do you store cut carrots long term?
Carrots are a fairly easy vegetable to store. If you plan on storing carrots for more than a couple of days, we recommend blanching them first. Blanching is a quick process that involves boiling the carrots for a couple of minutes and then cooling them in ice water. This stops the carrot’s enzymes from continuing to break down the vegetable and turn it mushy.
Once your carrots are blanched, you can store them in a number of ways. Our favorite method is to vacuum seal them and store them in the freezer. This will keep your carrots fresh for up to a year.
Useful Video: How to Store Carrots From the Garden
Conclusion
Carrots are a great root vegetable to grow in your garden. They are easy to store, and they have a long shelf life. With proper care, you can keep carrots fresh for up to eight months. When storing carrots, be sure to keep them in a cool, dark place. Carrots can also be frozen for up to one year. If you plan on eating the carrots within a week or two, you can store them in the refrigerator.
Now that you know how to store carrots from the garden, you can enjoy them all winter long! Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, crisp carrots all season. Thanks for reading and happy gardening!
References:
- https://www.happysprout.com/gardening/fresh-picked-carrot-storage/
- https://harvesttotable.com/harvest-store-carrots/