How and where to store carrots correctly?

For long-term storage, carrots are suitable without mechanical damage, the first signs of rotting or wilting. In addition, it must not be germinated. Only if these characteristics are present, carrots will retain their firm structure and will not lose their taste.

The nuances of storing carrots:

• unlike most vegetables or fruits, early ripening carrot varieties have a longer shelf life than later varieties;
• varieties with shortened root crops deteriorate faster than conical carrots;
• the harder the surface of the carrot, the longer it will be stored;
• there is no unequivocal opinion about whether to wash carrots before storage or not (such a nuance does not greatly affect the shelf life);
• carrots can be stored in cellars or basements (to ensure the safety of root crops, it is recommended to sprinkle them with sand);
• you can store carrots in a plastic bag, but you cannot tie it (carrots will rot at a rapid pace);
• a large amount of carrots can be stored in peat (moisture in the roots will remain, and its shelf life will reach its maximum level);
• it is better to twist the tops from the carrots, leaving a small part of it (if this is not possible, then the tops must be carefully cut off with a knife or scissors);
• if the carrots are planned to be stored for a long time, then the tops are cut off along with part of the root crop (this procedure will exclude the possibility of carrot sprouting);
• before being placed in a cellar or basement, the carrots are kept for a week at a temperature of + 10-14 degrees (this period is called quarantine, during which time the carrots finally adapt to the conditions outside the beds);
• carrots can be stored in sawdust (the principle of action in this case does not differ from sprinkling root crops with sand);
• some gardeners use clay to preserve carrots for a long time (carrots are carefully processed in diluted clay, and then the roots are dried naturally);
• you can store carrots in enameled pots (before placing them in a container, the roots are thoroughly washed, the tops are trimmed, after which the carrots are laid out vertically in the pan and placed in a dark and cool place, covered with a lid);
• under too warm conditions, carrots begin to sprout rapidly (this nuance applies to temperatures above +5 degrees);
• carrots can be stored on the balcony, but in winter you need to make sure that the temperature does not drop below 0 degrees (the balcony must be glazed or insulated);
• carrots are well stored in onion skins or needles.

If the carrots are chopped or grated, then it is better to freeze them immediately or consume them as soon as possible. You can store workpieces in containers or plastic bags.

How much and at what temperature to store carrots

It is necessary to gradually lower the temperature when storing carrots. First, for two days, the root crops should be in a temperature regime of 0 degrees, then the level is lowered. Carrots are usually stored in cellars or basements, and the air there is quite cold.

The optimal storage temperature for carrots is considered to be from +10 to +2 degrees. At the same time, the air humidity should be increased and reach 90-95%. If this level is not enough, then the carrot will rapidly lose moisture and wither, and its skin will become wrinkled.

The maximum shelf life of carrots is up to 1 year.… However, this indicator can be achieved only in cellars and basements and with the use of additional funds (sand, sawdust, onion husks). In conditions close to room temperature, root crops can be stored for several months. The minimum temperature should not exceed 0- + 1 degrees.

There are special ovens for storing vegetables and fruits. In them, carrots can maintain their structure for a long time. The conditions in the ovens are close to the temperature conditions of the cellars and basements.

Carrots can be stored in the freezer for several months. First, the root vegetables must be washed, peeled, grated or finely chopped. After defrosting, the taste properties of the carrots will not be disturbed, but the consistency will change. Chopped or chopped carrots do not last long in refrigerators. It must be consumed as soon as possible, because due to moisture evaporation, the surface of the root crops will become aired.