Expert Guide: How to Properly Store Carrots in Cold Storage for Long-Term Freshness

Ashley
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Carrots may be kept for a long time in cold storage. For my cold storage carrots, I am able to get away with up to 8 months in a plastic bag.

If you are new to this blog my name is Ashley and I am a soil scientist. I am located in a Canadian Zone 3 and a USDA Zone 4. I write articles, make YouTube videos, Instagram & Facebook posts all designed for Canadians and Cold Climate gardeners using science-based methods. If you are looking for anything specific be sure to let me know in the comments down below.

Here is how to go about long-term carrot storage:

  1. Carrots are ready to be picked when they reach full size. What this implies is that they need to be solid and have a vibrant orange tone.
  2. Remove any dirt or debris from your carrots by carefully sorting and washing them.
  3. Leave about an inch of the carrot’s stem after cutting off the green tops. Carrots can quickly go bad if they take moisture from the greens, but this will help keep them fresh longer.
  4. If you have a lot of carrots, you can use a dry brush or a cut potato peeler to remove any remaining soil. I find that keeping the carrots filthy makes them last even longer in storage.
  5. After cleaning and trimming carrots, pat them dry thoroughly.
  6. Use a moisture-proof barrier, such newspaper or straw, to create layers of carrots in a container or plastic bags. Use a paper towel if you prefer. Make some holes in the plastic bag or container so that it may get some air in and out.
  7. Place the bag or container of carrots in a cool, dark, and damp location. Carrots should be kept in a cool, dry place between 32 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (0 and 3 degrees Celsius), with humidity between 85 and 90 percent.
  8. Always keep an eye out for rotting or other damage when purchasing carrots. Throw away any rotten carrots so the remainder of the bunch doesn’t get tainted.
  9. It’s worth noting that different types of carrots have slightly variable storage needs, and that carrot size can also effect storage. Because of this, it is crucial to keep an eye on them and get rid of the bad ones as soon as possible.

Follow these steps and you will have fresh garden carrots for months to come! For more carrot-storing ideas check out this article.