Have you ever felt frustrated when you discovered your fresh carrots have gone slimy or moldy? Unfortunately, the culprit most likely lies in how we’ve all been storing them. It turns out many of us have been doing it all wrong, with most of us tossing fresh carrots in the fridge drawer. But did you know this can actually exacerbate the spoilage?
Why Do Carrots Go Bad Quickly?
To understand how to store carrots properly, we first need to understand why they go bad so quickly. One of the main reasons is moisture. Carrots are root vegetables and naturally contain a lot of water, making them prone to spoilage when exposed to excess moisture. When stored improperly, this excess moisture can lead to mold or rotting. Also, carrots release ethylene gas as they age, accelerating the spoiling process.
Amanda Rocchio, a nutrition coach and cook, has come forward on social media to correct this common blunder. No more need to keep guessing because there is a proven proper way to store your carrots.
Best Way to Store Your Carrots: Not Your Fridge
Whether you like to buy your carrots whole or go for the convenience of a bag of baby carrots, the process to preserve them for longer is the same: “The key is to place them in a container and fill it up with water. They can last four weeks this way,” says Amanda. She also advises keeping the carrots in a water-filled container with a lid to protect them from the fridge’s moisture, which could potentially spoil them. A simple act of changing the water every five to six days can extend the freshness of your carrots. Read Also: Which African Cities Have Highest Quality of Life Index?
By keeping carrots in a water-filled container, we give them the steady temperature and balanced humidity they need. The fridge drawer, where many of us usually store it, faces constant temperature changes when opened and closed and offers higher humidity levels. All these factors can negatively impact the carrots’ quality and shelf life, causing them to go moldy or dehydrate faster.
Bottom Line
So, the next time you bring home a fresh batch of carrots, try this method. Not only will it keep your carrots fresh for weeks, but it can also help you save money on food shopping. Talk about an easy win!