Carrots can be harvested anytime as they are already edible right from the time the seed sprouts. However, it’s better to harvest the quantity needed for immediate use as they are biennials but in the case of harvesting more than enough and storing the excess, this article will guide you on how to go about it.
1) THE REFRIGERATOR METHOD: Temperatures between 32°F and 38°F with a relative humidity more than 95 percent are ideal for storing carrots. Neatly place the carrots into a zip-close plastic storage bag. Afterwards, squeeze the air out of the bags, seal them and proceed to store them in a refrigerator likewise on a shelf, or in the crisper. Ensure to check weekly and dispose of any carrot which has begun to go bad. With the above method, the carrots can be stored for two to three months.
Related:Learn About The Carrots Growing Problems
2) THE ROOT CELLAR METHOD: Carrots can be stored using this method. This basically involves getting a clean, damp play sand with adequate containers, a 5 gallon bucket for an example, waxed cardboard boxes or plastic lined crates to grasp the crop. The containers tend to become very heavy easily and fast so the best thing to do is to fill them where you intend to store them. Place a layer of sand in the bottom of the container. Afterwards, vertically place a group of carrots in the direction of their growth and ensure none is having contact with another. Cover the carrots with sand, add more carrots with more sand until the container gets filled up then proceed to top it off with a layer of sand.
Related: How To Store Carrots Without Refrigeration (Step By Step Guide)
3) THE IN-GROUND METHOD: Root quality declines in areas where the soil remains well above freezing and therefore doesn’t make this method much viable. In cool climates where soil temperatures are slightly above freezing or perhaps hold near freezing, it is possible for the carrots to be left in the ground through the winter in the absence of additional protection. It is best to insulate the bed with 12 to 18 inches of straw or fallen leaves with a covering made of plastic in cold climates. This should be done before the ground freezes. Afterwards, the bed should be uncovered and the mulch swept aside as required to harvest throughout the winter.
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4) FREEZING: This is ideal for long term use. Freezing is known to be the easiest way and doesn’t require any special equipment which you may not have in your kitchen. To store carrots using the freezing method, prepare your carrots by washing them, cleaning them and afterwards peel and cut them. The carrots are blanched and cooled. This helps to retain their flavour and colour in the freezer. The carrots are afterwards, placed in freezer bags after they have air-dried and cooled.
NOTE: Carrots should be given proper care when harvesting, cleaning and storing them as they tend to become soft and slimy if handled in a careless or nonchalant way. However, if they are properly handled, they can last up to a month and even more in storage.
Conclusion
In this article, I discussed how to store carrots from the garden. I hope you find the article helpful. I would like to hear from you. Let me know if you have any questions about storing carrots from the garden.
