Carrots have a sweet, earthy flavor with a slight natural bitterness, making them a versatile ingredient in vegetarian cooking for adding depth to soups, stews, salads, and roasted dishes.
Quick Finds
How to Tell if Carrots Are Good When Grocery Shopping
- Appearance: Choose carrots that are firm, smooth, and free from cracks, blemishes, or soft spots.
- Color: Look for vibrant, bright orange carrots. Avoid dull or greenish carrots.
- Texture: Press gently to ensure they are crisp and not wilted or rubbery.
- Smell: Fresh carrots should have a mild, earthy scent. Avoid carrots with a strong, unpleasant odor.
How to Prep and Store Carrots for Maximum Freshness:
- Prep
- Cleaning: Rinse under cool water to remove dirt and debris. Scrub gently if needed.
- Peeling: Peeling is optional; scrubbing is often sufficient if skins are clean.
- Storage:
- Unwashed Carrots: Store in a perforated plastic bag or a clean container with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
- Washed Carrots: Store in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How Long Will Carrots Keep Fresh
- Unwashed Carrots: Up to 3 weeks when properly stored in the refrigerator.
- Washed Carrots: Should be used within 1-2 weeks, as they tend to spoil faster due to moisture.
How Long Will Cooked Carrots Keep:
- Refrigerated cooked carrots: 3-5 days.
- Frozen cooked carrots: 8-12 months.
Ways to Cook Carrots (Including Instructions)
Roasting
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice carrots into rounds or sticks, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.
Steaming
- Peel and slice carrots into even-sized pieces.
- Steam for 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
Boiling
- Peel and chop carrots into small pieces.
- Boil in salted water for 10-15 minutes, or until soft.
Sautéing
- Slice carrots thinly or into matchsticks.
- Sauté in a bit of butter or oil with garlic, salt, and your favorite herbs for 5-7 minutes.
