How To Store Carrots So They Stay Fresh And Crisp

Carrots are quite a versatile vegetable, delicious whether eaten raw or cooked. They can even be used as a deterrent when you're trying to ignore that extreme chocolate craving — just skip the cupboard and head to the fridge for a handful of baby carrots. When cooked, carrots make a great addition to hearty recipes such as soups, stews, and more. The possibilities are endless. 

But no matter how you're using them, limp carrots that have lost their crunch are the worst, and storing carrots properly is key to keeping them fresh and crisp. Though carrots do have a pretty long shelf life, there are certain steps you can take that will get you the most crunch out of your favorite orange root vegetable.

Unlike grapes, carrots aren't afraid of a little water. In fact, The Kitchn says that placing carrots in a container of water before placing them in your refrigerator will actually help keep them fresh. We're talking weeks of extra crispiness here, not just days. When the water gets murky, just dump it and fill the container again. This goes for both baby carrots and bundled carrots.

DIY Network offers a slightly different alternative. Instead of filling a container with water, they suggest wrapping your carrots in damp paper towels before placing them in the refrigerator. This method will keep your carrots fresh for up to a month. If you need more time, you can also use the freezer. You just have to be sure to blanch your carrots first. Once you've let them air-dry and cool off, throw them in a resealable or vacuum-sealed bag and toss them in the freezer until needed. 

If you're bringing home carrots with the greens still attached there is one extra step you'll need to take before placing them in water. The green stems will suck carrots dry of moisture, reversing all of the hard work you've done to keep them fresh. So, be sure to cut them off first. It seems like a lot of pretty green leaves going to waste, but don't worry, there are many more places you can throw those leafy greens other than the garbage. You can toss them in salads or use in place of fresh herbs.