How long do carrots last in the fridge?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long do carrots last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of carrots in the fridge. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of carrots when stored in the pantry and freezer, along with the ways to spot spoiled carrots.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long do carrots last in the fridge?
The shelf life of carrots differs depending upon the way they are stored in the fridge as well as if they are cooked or not.
Whole carrots
When it comes to whole carrots, if you have stored your carrots wrapped in a damp cloth or paper towels then they last for about 3-4 weeks in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, if you are storing your whole carrots in a container with water in it then they last for about a month there when kept in the fridge.
Now if you have diced or sliced your carrots, then such carrots have a shorter shelf life as compared to the whole carrots and they last for about 2-3 weeks when stored properly in the fridge.
Cooked carrots
Cooked carrots last for about 3-5 days in the fridge when they are stored in an air-tight container at or below 40 degrees fahrenheit.
It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of carrots and they account for the time during which you can enjoy their best quality. Carrots can even last longer than this, provided that they were stored properly.
You can read how to make garlic butter roasted carrots here.
How long do carrots last in the pantry?
When it comes to the whole carrots, they have a shelf life of about 3-5 days when kept in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry, away from direct sunlight and heat. It is worth mentioning that the place you are going to keep your fresh carrots should be well-ventilated and it should not be humid as the high moisture content of the humid environment can mess up the quality of your carrots and can even make them more prone to the growth of molds.
Can I store carrots in the freezer?
When it comes to cooked carrots you can freeze them and they last for about 10-2 months when stored in plastic freezer bags.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that fresh carrots can lose their crispness once they are thawed, so you should keep this thing in mind. But if you still want to store your fresh carrots in the freezer then firstly you have to wash them thoroughly, afterward peel them and cut them. Now blanch the carrots in hot boiling water for 2-3 minutes and afterward add them in ice-cold water for some time. Once carrots have cooled, drain the water and pat them dry. Now you can store these cut carrots in the freezer in plastic freezer bag but
How to tell if carrots are spoiled?
You should consider the appearance, texture, and taste of the carrots to give a final verdict about whether or not carrots have gone bad.
- If you spot a mold or some organic growth on your carrot, then the best thing you can do in this scenario is to get rid of the whole carrot. If you consume such carrots, it can cause many foodborne illnesses including food poisoning that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes even fever. Moreover, molds can also produce mycotoxins in carrots that have gone bad and if you consume or even inhale these mycotoxins they can disturb your gut flora and can weaken your immune system.
- Moreover, if there are holes in the carrot, then it is recommended to discard such a carrot.
- It is worth mentioning that fresh raw carrots are firm to touch. So if you feel something slimy, gooey, or if the carrot is mushy, limp, or if there is some fluid oozing out of it then it is an indication of bad carrot and you should discard it.
- If you smell some off-smell or rotten smell while taking a sniff test of your carrots then it is better to get rid of such carrots.
Other FAQs about Carrots that you may be interested in.
How long do cooked carrots last in the fridge?
How to store shredded carrots?
Can you eat carrots that have sprouted?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long do carrots last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of carrots in the fridge. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of carrots when stored in the pantry and freezer, along with the ways to spot spoiled carrots.
Citations
https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16704
How Long Do Carrots Last? [Whole, Cut, Cooked & Baby]
