Carrots are a kitchen staple across the UK, celebrated for their versatility in everything from Sunday roasts to healthy snacks. However, their tendency to quickly turn soft, mouldy, or shrivelled is a common frustration, leading to unnecessary food waste and last-minute supermarket trips.
The Expert-Recommended Storage Method
According to specialists at Good Food, the secret to dramatically extending your carrots' lifespan lies not in complex gadgets, but in one simple household item: water. The experts advise that to maximise the length of time carrots remain edible, they should be stored in the fridge in a sealed container with a shallow layer of water at the bottom.
This method works because carrots are root vegetables that naturally draw up moisture as needed. The water in the container acts as a constant hydration source, helping them stay crisp for much longer. When stored correctly using this technique, carrots can remain fresh for an impressive up to three months.
Preparing Your Carrots for Storage
Before employing the water trick, proper preparation is crucial. The experts from Good Food, as reported by the Express, recommend a few key steps as soon as you bring carrots home from the shops.
First, always remove them from their plastic packaging. Next, trim away any green tops and conduct a quick inspection for any damaged or soft spots. Contrary to what some might believe, carrots belong in the fridge, as the chilly environment slows down the chemical reactions that cause them to deteriorate.
It might also be tempting to wash them straight away, but the specialists caution against this. They explain that traces of dirt on unwashed carrots act as an extra protective barrier, shielding them from dehydration.
What About Pre-Peeled Carrots?
For those who like to prepare healthy snacks in advance, the storage method for peeled carrots is slightly different. If you have pre-peeled carrots, you have two excellent options.
You can wrap them in a damp, clean tea towel and place them in the fridge. Alternatively, you can use a similar method to whole carrots by placing them in a sealed container with a shallow layer of water at the bottom, ensuring it is kept refrigerated.
By adopting these simple storage techniques, you can significantly reduce food waste and ensure you always have crisp, fresh carrots on hand for your favourite meals.
