Carrots are quick to lose moisture and when this happens, they begin to wither after a few days.
A popular method of storing carrots has been through refrigeration. However, in this article we will be discussing some other methods of storing carrots without refrigeration.
In the first five months of storing carrots if they are not exposed to sunlight it heats, there is usually an increase in their vitamin A content. Also, nutrients in carrots can be stored for another two to three months.
The brittle composition of carrots is the result of hardening of the cell wall by the indigestible dietary fiber cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
Basically, to maintain the freshness of carrots, you need to minimize the amount of water they lose. Thick-core carrots are best stored.
Now, let us talk about how to store carrots without refrigeration.
HOW TO STORE CARROTS WITHOUT REFRIGERATION
THE PLASTIC BAG METHOD: This may be the easiest way. After buying carrots from the market. Cut the vegetables and wash them.
You can dry your carrots with a cotton cloth, or lay them on a surface, leaving enough space, so this will allow them to lose water naturally. Put your dried carrots in a plastic paper bag.
Remember to not cover the plastic bag too tightly, because if moisture accumulates, they will rot. With this method you will have carrots that are fresh and crispy for more than a month.
THE ALUMINIUM FOIL METHOD: In this method, after you have cleaned and dried your carrot. You will wrap the cleaned carrot in an aluminium foil. Don’t forget to leave some space when wrapping to allow the moisture to escape.
Related:How To Grow Carrots From Scraps And Seeds In 8 Easy Steps
THE SAW DUST METHOD: First, cut off the vegetables, then get sawdust. Put it in a box or bucket whichever is available. And place your carrots on top.
Ensure to place them in layers, that is after you have placed the carrots, cover them in sawdust, place some more carrots, cover with sawdust.
You can continue repeating the process until you have covered all your carrots.Then put them in a cold store. This is a very easy way of preserving your carrots.
Related: learn how to store your carrots step by step
THE SAND BOX METHOD: This method works the same as the sawdust one. Just keep placing and covering the carrots until they are all covered. Your carrot can last up to 3weeks with this method.
Related: When To harvest Carrots? Now Explained
THE DEHYDRATION METHOD: The method is almost the same as the freezing of carrots, only that the last step is to put them in the dehydrator instead of the freezer. What you do is to wash the carrots, remove the greens, and peel them. Cut into shapes you like.
Boil the carrots for 3 minutes. Soak the carrots in a large bowl filled with water and ice for 3 minutes. Put the cooled carrots in a dehydrator for dehydration in layers and dry at 125°C until crisp. Check every few hours or follow the dehydrator’s guidelines.
Related: How To Harvest Carrot and Carrot Seeds
IN CONCLUSION
Carrots should also be kept away from apples, pears, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas because it can cause them to become bitter.
The dehydrating method tends to keep carrots longer than the other method. Although, depending on how long you want to store your carrots, all the methods mentioned can keep your carrots fresh without the need for refrigeration.
Read also: Learn About The Carrots Growing Problems
One major reason carrots rot quickly is when they are exposed to the air, carrots will begin to soften.
Self-growing your own carrot makes it easy for you to harvest and eat your carrot whenever you want and leave the rest underground, if you do not need them yet. If you have limited space or power, buy the freshest one you can find.
Reference
- THE IMPACT OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON THE SHELF LIFE OF CARROT ROOTS
- Accumulation of Phenolic Acids during Storage over Differently Handled Fresh Carrots
