Carrot is known for its healthy qualities and the benefit this vegetable brings to our immune system. Besides, we use it in many different dishes and it tastes perfect both in salads being raw and in hot foodstuff.
No wonder that freezing carrots is one of the most popular ways to preserve this vegetable for further use.
However, it is essential to do everything correctly to make this orange veggie last longer.
In this article, we will discuss how to store carrots in the freezer and what steps must be taken to do it properly.
Health Benefits Of Carrots
Before we begin, let’s figure out why such a common vegetable has become so popular and widespread almost all over the globe.
We all, probably, know that carrot is very healthy, one can hear and read it everywhere. But what exactly is so special about it?
- Carrot contains a lot of beta carotene and fiber
- It is the source of vitamin K, A, B6, B, and antioxidants
- This vegetable has ability to decrease the level of cholesterol
- It is also a proved proper food for weight-loss purposes
- Antioxidants that carrots contain protect us from cancer
- Regular consumption of carrots not only boosts our general health and strengthens the immune system, but it also prevents different diseases
- Finally, the carrot is very good for the eye-health
Taking all these benefits into account, no wonder that people tend to preserve this vegetable as much as possible to get all of its usefulness any time they want.
At that point, different means can be used to protect carrots from spoiling.
How to Store Carrots Correctly at Home
First of all, everything depends on how long carrots are planned to be stored. If the vegetables are going to be used pretty soon, then keeping them refrigerated would be the best variant.
Here it is essential to keep in mind that carrots tend to become covered with the excess moisture when being stored improperly. That is why proper conditions are a must.
- Don’t wash or peel carrots before refrigerating since it will cause the sooner drying of the vegetables.
- Clean the carrots from dirt if there is any, wrap them in a paper towel and put into a perforated breathable plastic packet. Double-check that the packet allows some ventilation because the excess moisture will speed up the rotting.
When being stored this way, carrots will remain crisp and edible for nearly one month.
But for longer storage, freezing carrots would be a much better option.
How to Freeze Carrots. Handy Advice and Rules to Know
For keeping carrots tasty and to preserve their texture and qualities, the exposure to frost is the optimal variant.
However, it is necessary to know that one can freeze carrots in two different ways which make people somewhat confused sometimes.
Carrots can be frozen raw or previously blanched. Which way is the best? Let’s take a closer look at both and figure it out.
- Can you freeze fresh carrots?
Definitely, freezing fresh carrots is possible. Nevertheless, keep in mind that at that point, the vegetable will lose its texture and crispness but will keep the taste and flavor.
- How to prepare carrots for freezing?
It depends on how it is going to be stored. For freezing it blanched, it will have to be washed meticulously first before you blanch carrots, also, feel free to peel it if you want but that’s not necessary.
In addition, all the stems must be cut off.
As for storing it raw, removing the stems and dirt, cut off the ends and cut the carrots into even 1-inch pieces.
In connection to this, people often ask: can you freeze whole carrots? Well, to tell the truth, freezing carrots whole will not be as effective as doing the same with the cut vegetables. You see, when being divided into smaller pieces, carrots will manage to freeze evenly whereas the whole root may be partly too much frozen.
As for the freezing procedure itself, it is nor complicated at all.
- To freeze carrots blanched, wash them, cut off the stems and ends.
Cut the vegetables as finely as desired making sure that the pieces are of the same size.
Boil some water, put the carrots in it and wait until it starts boiling again. Then wait for three minutes.
Instantly remove the carrots to the ice-water to stop the process of boiling, drain, and sort into frost-friendly packets. Leave as little air inside as possible.
Now the veggies will last for nearly a year!
- For preserving carrots raw, no need to wash them or peel. Just trim the stems and cut off the ends, cut each carrot into even parts, put on a cooking sheet and insert into the freezing camera for twenty-four hours.
Afterward, repack the carrots into the frost-resistant packets and return to where they belong.
Both of these approaches can be also used to freeze fresh baby carrots.
How to Blanch Carrots?
When blanching, it is necessary to mind the timing, otherwise, the carrots will become too soft.
As a rule, this method allows preserving the taste and texture of the veggies, as well as all the vitamins.
In fact, blanching carrots is simple.
Vegetables must be cleaned from dirt and washed first. Peel them if needed, but that’s not so essential.
cut the carrots either in slices or into smaller pieces but make sure they are of the same size anyway. Like this, the veggies will freeze better and more evenly.
how long to blanch carrots for freezing? Normally, three minutes will be enough for the cut vegetables whereas baby-carrots might need something like five minutes since they must be blanched whole.
Freezing Cooked Carrots. Things to Note
Naturally, a question may occur: do carrots freeze well when cooked?
Cooked carrots were boiled longer that blanched, so they are already softer, however, it doesn’t make them unable to freeze.
So, if some cooked carrots need to be preserved badly, just wait until they cool down, drain and sort into the frost-resistant packets with no air inside (or remove the most of it).
Like this, carrots will extend their lifespan for one year.
How to Defrost Carrots at Home?
Proper defrosting will guarantee that the product will be still edible.
The optimal way is to remove the vegetables to the fridge overnight but if there is no time to wait, frozen carrots can be used for cooking at once right after you take them out from the freezing camera.
Can fresh raw carrots be frozen? I’m so tired of blanching veggies that I’d rather cut them and toss to freeze!
Yes, raw carrots can be chilled, but blanching preserves their flavor, taste, and texture. Besides, all the nutrients will be kept as well.
Help needed from an experienced cook! What vegetables can you freeze without blanching? So that they won’t lose their quality.
From my own experience, sweet pepper, onions, corn, and tomatoes freeze perfectly as they are without any preparation. The same goes for most of the root veggies.
Why are my frozen carrots rubbery? Each time I freeze them they turn wrinkled and soft.
Perhaps, you cook them too much when blanching. Or the veggies can be too old themselves. Try to reduce the blanching time to a maximum of five minutes and buy the freshest carrots to freeze.
How do you store carrots for a long time? Is freezing the only way?
No, freezing is not the only option. If you can, keep them fresh and unwashed by covering them with sand. Only find a dark, properly ventilated, and cool spot in your house, and the veggies will be ok for 5-6 months for sure.
Is it better to freeze carrots raw or cooked? Did anyone try both options?
Well, I can tell you that it doesn’t matter as for me since both cooked and raw frozen carrots won’t be suitable for salads or eating them raw after defrosting.
What happens if you do not blanch a vegetable before freezing it? Is there a chance that it will spoil?
It may lead to spoilage, in fact. Blanching preserves both the exterior of the veggies and their nutrients. But also, it helps them to stay eatable longer. So it’s better to spend some time and cook them before long-term preservation.
For how long can you freeze fresh carrots? Does anyone know?
I guess you can’t freeze carrots if they’re raw. You need to blanch them first. If you toss fresh carrots into the freezer, they will get freezer-burned! Blanched carrots can last up to a year if frozen.
Can you freeze carrots without blanching them first? I love carrots when they’re just cooked, but when I try eating them after defrosting, it’s always a huge disappointment. So I thought that it might be possible to freeze them raw somehow.
Well, I guess there’s a high risk of a freezer burn if you store carrots like that, frozen raw. But if you still don’t want to blanch them, dice or chop carrots finely, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag, and expell any excess air. This way, you can make them last frozen.
Hello! I’m going to try and freeze carrots blanched, but since I’ve never tried this before, I need your help. Could you tell me how to blanch carrots correctly not to overcook them? Thank you so much!
Oh, it’s quite easy to do! First, you need to boil a pan with water and prepare a bowl of iced water with a tray lined with kitchen paper. When the water in a pan boils, pop the carrots into it and blanch for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size. Then, remove carrots to the icy water at once to cool them down. Finally, dry your carrots on a tray.
Can you freeze grated carrots? I often use grated carrots for all kinds of soups, so I though it might be helpful if I freeze some in advance.
Yes, grated carrots can be frozen! This way, you can make it last for up to six months. Once grated, put your carrots in a plastic freezer-safe zip bag, seal it tightly and then place the bag into the freezer.
Can you freeze cooked carrots? I often have some leftovers after cooking, so I thought it might be helpful to know how to preserve them.
Yes, you can freeze cooked carrots, e.g. roasted, sautéed, or mashed. You can even freeze a carrot soup! I usually keep cooked carrots in freezer bags or containers (like if I’m storing a soup). This way, most recipes last for up to 3 months.
I have faced an issue with storing frozen carrots, and I need your help, folks. Why are my frozen carrots rubbery? I’ve noticed that, when I store blanched or cooked carrots.
It’s normal. This rubbery texture appears due to moisture loss that occurs in the freezer. I often have the same problem, and I’m not sure that anything can be done about it, to be honest.
Does anyone know how to freeze whole carrots if they are cooked and peeled?