Carrots are a versatile ingredient that can be used for dinner or dessert. You can get good quality carrots through proper observation and storage. Good quality carrots are bright in color, don't crack, and feel crunchy to the touch. When you get home, remove all the leaves and put the carrots in a plastic bag. These healthy carrots can be a nutritious dish for the next few weeks.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing Healthy Carrots
Step 1. Choose large carrots for sweetness
Large carrots indicate that the fruit has been growing for a long time. The longer carrots grow in the soil, the higher the sugar content. Carrots like these contain a woody core that may have to be removed before you eat them.
- Fresh carrots taste sweeter than carrots that have been stored for a long time.
- Most baby carrots are actually regular carrots that are small in size and taste no sweeter either.
Step 2. Look for carrots that have a strong color
Fresh carrots have a stronger pigment. You might be attracted by the intense orange color of carrots, but carrots actually come in a variety of colors. There are carrots that are purple, yellow, red, or white. All of these carrots are as safe to eat as orange carrots, and look more vibrant when they are fresh.
Good carrots have a uniform color from top to bottom
Step 3. Choose carrots that have bright green leaves on the shoots
The freshness of carrots can also be judged by the color of the leaves. Fresh carrots have lighter leaves. Carrots that have been harvested for a long time will have wilted leaves.
The leaves will feel softer than the rest of the carrot so you can tell how old they are quickly. If the top of the carrot is still attached, you can choose a fresh carrot by observing this section
Step 4. Look for finely shaped carrots
Most carrots are long and slender, although some are short and round. Carrots are considered deformed if they are bent or full of fibrous roots. Carrots will usually look pale when this happens, and this can show their age.
Step 5. Avoid picking carrots that are cracked and cracked
Carrots that are broken or cracked are easy to detect without having to touch them. Carrots like this indicate that the fruit has dried out and has lost its flavor. Don't go for it unless you really want carrots that have been stored for a long time and are woody.
- Most carrots break and crack because they absorb too much water as they grow in the soil. It is still healthy to consume. Carrots like these don't usually get noticed, so you can save on food if you choose one.
- It doesn't matter if there are some cracks or bumps on the carrots. As long as the crack isn't too deep or wide, you can choose it. Check for fine spots or other problems to be sure.
Step 6. Look for carrots that feel firm to the touch
Hold the carrot and run your finger along the carrot. Carrots should feel firm and plump. Healthy carrots have a crunchy texture. The appearance of fine spots is a sign that the carrots are starting to rot. Do not choose carrots that are chewy and limp in texture.
The carrots have not rotted and can still be eaten if there are only a few fine spots. Remove the soft parts and use the carrots as soon as possible
Part 2 of 2: Storing and Using Carrots
Step 1. Cut the carrot leaves that are on top
The carrots will lose their moisture through the leaves. This causes the carrots to dry out and begin to crack. Remove the leaves above the carrots as soon as possible. You can wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and use them within 1 or 2 days as a slightly bitter-tasting condiment.
Step 2. Store the carrots in the refrigerator after you put them in an open plastic bag
You can use any plastic bag to store carrots (even the plastic wrap for carrots). Once the leaves are cut, you can put the carrots back in the plastic bag. Carrots will release moisture. If the bag is closed, moisture will collect and cause the carrots to rot.
Keep the carrots dry so they can last longer. Try placing the tissue in the plastic bag. Change wet wipes once or twice a week
Step 3. Store carrots in a cool place away from fruit
Store carrots in the coldest area of the refrigerator (usually at the bottom or on a shelf). Carrots should be placed away from foods that emit ethylene gas, such as bananas and pears. The gas makes the carrots wrinkle.
Step 4. Rub the carrots before you use them
Most carrots usually don't need to be peeled. If the outer layer is removed, some of the carrot's nutrients will be lost. Instead of peeling them, wash the carrots with water. Scrub the stuck dirt with a brush, finger, or sponge.
Step 5. Peel the aged carrots
Old carrots have a more bitter skin than young carrots. These carrots will taste better if they are peeled first. Young carrots should also be peeled if the recipe contains a lot of hard and bitter ingredients, such as a recipe that calls for steamed carrots.
Step 6. Eat carrots within a few weeks
If stored properly, carrots can last for about 2 weeks. Carrots that are stored in a dry state can even last more than a month. The longer it is stored, the bitter taste of carrots will increase. After 2 weeks of storage, you may notice fine spots or signs of spoilage. To avoid this, you should use carrots as soon as possible.
