- Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables around, but did you know they’re not always orange? Astonishingly, carrots can come in a rainbow of colors — red, white, yellow, purple—and even have fun names like Atomic Red, Lunar White, and Purple Dragon.
- But you’re here for storage tips, not a carrot history lesson. So, let’s get to the root of this root vegetable and learn how to store and freeze carrots like a pro.
The Best Way to Store Carrots
How long do carrots last? It depends on how and where you store them. The good news? With the right storage techniques, carrots can have an impressively long shelf life.
- Whole, raw carrots: Last 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge when stored properly.
- Sliced or chopped carrots: Stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge.
- Cooked carrots: Should be eaten within 3 to 5 days.
For longer-lasting freshness, store carrots in a plastic bag or a bowl covered with Glad® Press’N Seal® to help retain moisture. Remove any excess air before sealing to prevent drying out.
If you’re storing whole carrots, Glad® FLEX'N SEAL™ bags are a great option. These stretch to fit up to 30% more food, making them perfect for oddly shaped veggies like carrots while saving space in your fridge.
"Whole, raw carrots: Last 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge when stored properly."
Can You Freeze Raw Carrots?
If you want to store carrots for the long haul—whether for soups, stews, or your next carrot cake — you’ll need to freeze them properly. Since freezing raw carrots can lead to a loss of texture and flavor, blanching is the key step to locking in their freshness. Here’s how:
- Remove the tops of the carrots.
- Wash and peel under cold or lukewarm water to remove dirt.
- Optional: Cut carrots into your preferred shape—sliced, cubed, or julienned.
- Blanch: Boil water and cook the carrots briefly—5 minutes for whole carrots, 2 minutes for sliced carrots. Immediately transfer them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Freeze: Drain, pat dry, and store in an airtight freezer bag.
How Long Do Carrots Last in the Freezer?
When properly prepared, carrots can last as long as 12 months in the freezer.
How to Thaw Carrots
When it’s time to use your frozen carrots, you have a couple of thawing options:
- Toss them straight into your dish! Frozen carrots work great in soups, stews, and casseroles without thawing first.
- Refrigerator thawing: Place the frozen carrots in the fridge overnight for a slow, even thaw.
- Cold water thawing: Submerge the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. (Per USDA.) guidelines, don’t leave carrots out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.)
How to Tell if Carrots Are Spoiled & How to Dispose
A carrot has gone bad if it has an off-putting odor, or if it’s badly discolored, soft or slimy. Mold can also indicate spoilage.
To avoid unpleasant odors, consider composting spoiled carrots in Glad™ Compostable Bags, or using Glad™ Trash Bags to dispose of them in an outdoor trash bin. If you choose to compost, be sure to follow local guidelines.
Now that you know how to store and freeze carrots, you’re all set to make the most of your stash — whether it’s for meal prep, snacks, or a delicious homemade carrot cake.
