Carrots can stay fresh up to 10 times longer when stored alongside a simple paper towel, according to storage specialists at Love Food Hate Waste.
The advice comes as autumn meals put carrots high on shopping lists, but the root vegetable can turn bitter if not stored correctly. While many keep carrots in the fridge's crisper drawer with other vegetables, harvested produce releases moisture over time.
Why carrots spoil quickly
Accumulated moisture can cause carrots to shrivel, and in more severe cases, they can rapidly rot or develop fuzzy white mould. Often it simply shortens their shelf life and leaves a sour taste that could spoil autumn dishes.
Carrots are typically kept alongside other vegetables or in their original plastic packaging, yet both methods can trap stagnant water. Vegetables naturally emit moisture, especially in a cold, humid fridge, which is why supermarkets use plastic packaging to maintain freshness.
The paper towel solution
However, plastic is airtight, and over time the trapped moisture makes carrots deteriorate before their use-by date. Removing carrots from plastic packaging, or keeping them in a separate container away from other produce, shields them from excess humidity, while a sheet of kitchen paper absorbs any moisture they release.
Love Food Hate Waste said: "Placing carrots in an airtight container lined with a paper towel will extend their life for up to 10 times longer than if you just left them loose in the fridge."
How to store carrots properly
Line a container with a couple of sheets of kitchen paper, place the carrots inside, cover them with additional kitchen paper, and secure the lid. You can keep the lid firmly closed to protect against humidity or leave it slightly ajar to let moisture evaporate.
If the carrots still have leafy tops, remove them, as they continue to draw water and nutrients from the carrot after harvesting. Check the carrots every few days, and replace the kitchen paper if it feels damp. Carrots should remain fresh and crisp for at least three to four weeks before needing to be used.
