If your carrots are turning slimy or mouldy within days of your weekly shop, you're likely storing them incorrectly. A culinary expert has revealed that the common practice of tossing them in the fridge drawer is a mistake that shortens their lifespan significantly.
The 'Proper' Storage Method for Maximum Freshness
Nutritionist, coach, and culinary specialist Amanda Rocchio took to social media to demonstrate the correct technique. In a TikTok clip, she explained that whether you buy whole carrots or a bag of baby carrots, you should remove them from their original packaging.
The key is to place the carrots in a container, cover them completely with water, and store this in the main body of your refrigerator. According to Rocchio, this simple switch can make your carrots last for an impressive four weeks.
Why Your Fridge Drawer is the Problem
Storing carrots in the crisper drawer, a go-to for many, actually creates an unstable environment. The constant opening and closing of the drawer leads to fluctuations in temperature, which adversely impacts the vegetable's quality and longevity.
Furthermore, carrots are particularly sensitive to humidity levels. Crisper drawers are designed to maintain higher humidity than the rest of the fridge, which is not ideal for carrots. Too much moisture can promote mould growth, while too little causes them to shrivel and spoil.
Maintaining the Method for Best Results
For the water storage technique to work effectively, it requires minimal upkeep. The container should be covered to protect the carrots from the general humidity of the fridge. Crucially, you must change the water every five to six days.
This routine helps preserve the carrots' crisp texture and freshness dramatically. By providing balanced moisture and a stable, cool temperature, this method can extend shelf life for several weeks, potentially cutting down on grocery bills and food waste.
The revelation left many of Amanda Rocchio's followers astonished. One social media user admitted, "I have learned that I don't know how to adult. I haven't stored anything correctly so far!" Another confirmed the method's effectiveness, commenting, "This is very true. I started doing this and it was amazing how long the carrots lasted." A third individual noted that the technique also works brilliantly for celery.
