After testing different storage methods, a food content creator found a technique that kept carrots “fantastic” and as good as new even 10 days later
If you’ve got leftover raw carrots following the Christmas festivities, a food content creator has revealed the secret to maintaining their freshness. During an experiment conducted by Gavin Wren, uncooked carrots proved they could stay fresh for a full 10 days when preserved using a particular technique.
The content creator observed that vegetables are “really easy to go off in the bottom of the fridge,” explaining that an unconventional approach can help maintain their quality.
For his trial on the Channel 5 programme Fresh vs Frozen: Which Is Better?, Gavin preserved carrots using three approaches; in an uncovered container, in a sealed container with kitchen roll to maintain moisture levels, and in one uncovered, but filled with water.
He placed all three jars in his fridge for 10 days to determine which technique proved most effective.
During the programme, Gavin assessed each result individually, beginning with the carrots left exposed to air.
Displaying one to the camera, he observed they had “gone bendy,” adding: “They’ve gone very pale, they’ve got very dry skin – it’s a nightmare to peel.”
He then inspected the sealed jar containing kitchen roll, which absorbs surplus moisture and slows the growth of mould or bacterial development.
Gavin commented: “Straight away they look so much better,” adding: “They don’t look dry – they look like the carrot you buy in the supermarket. There’s a bit of moisture at the end, but it hasn’t gone mouldy.”
Testing its firmness, he added: “That was a strong snap, that’s a solid carrot. I’d definitely rate that a lot higher than the first ones.”
Finally, the carrots stored in water looked “fantastic”. Using the water method prevents oxygen from reaching the carrots, which helps maintain their freshness for extended periods.
“They’ve got the strongest colour still,” he observed. “That is so solid, that is the freshest one so far. That’s been in there for 10 days already and it feels as fresh as the day I bought it.”
Breaking the carrot in two, he added: “That is a strong snap.”
Proven to be the most effective method, the show advises cutting off the carrot tops first to prevent regrowth. It also stresses the importance of changing the water regularly and not drinking it under any circumstances.
According to Good Food magazine, carrots stored in water in the fridge can last up to three months.
However, wherever you choose to store carrots – whether in the fridge, cupboard, or pantry – avoid placing them near ethylene-releasing produce such as apples, avocados, bananas, peppers, and tomatoes, as this can speed up ripening and fermentation.
Fresh vs Frozen: Which Is Better? is available to watch on 5.
