Keep carrots fresh for longer with step that stops them becoming 'limp and tasteless'

Whether you’ve just harvested your carrots from your own garden or picked them up from the store, taking the right steps to store them will ensure they stay crisp and tasty.

Vlatka Lake, storage expert at self-storage operator Space Station, shared how to keep your carrots at their best.

Whole and pre-cut carrots are stored differently, so follow these simple hacks to extend their shelf life and maintain their quality.

She told Express.co.uk that before putting away your carrots, it’s crucial to dry them completely to prevent mould growth caused by excess moisture.

But an important hack many might be unaware of is key to avoiding that excess moisture that causes the carrot to go limp.

She said: “Before you stow away your carrots, you should ensure they are thoroughly dried, as excess moisture can accelerate the growth of mould.

“You should also cut off the greens just above the root, as the stems draw natural moisture and flavour from the carrots, causing them to become limp and tasteless.

“Once you have done this, you should place them in a sealed plastic bag and in the fridge, where they should stay fresh for up to a week or two.”

The storage pro also pointed out the importance of keeping carrots away from fruits and vegetables that emit ethylene, such as apples and pears, as this gas can hasten spoilage.

For pre-cut or peeled carrots, it’s essential to handle them with extra care, as without their skins, they dehydrate more rapidly and lose flavour quicker.

Lake said: “If you're looking to store pre-cut or peeled carrots, you should take extra care to store them, as without their peel, they will dehydrate and lose their flavour much quicker.

“To store prepped carrots, loosely wrap them in a damp paper towel, before placing them in a sealed plastic bag in your fridge.

“They won't last as long as unpeeled carrots, but this should help maximise their shelf-life.”