Whether you stock up at the local market or grow your own carrots, it is possible to freeze this tasty vegetable and enjoy it fresh out of your own freezer. By using the proper freezing techniques, these tasty frozen treats will last between nine to 14 months. After they've been frozen, you may not be able to bite into a fresh carrot like Bugs, but there are lots of other uses for this healthy versatile veggie.
The Answer to Can You Freeze Carrots
The key is to find the best homegrown or locally-raised carrots. This will ensure your frozen product has the best and freshest flavor. If you don't have any in your own backyard, try going to a Farmer's Market, where you can enjoy the fruits (or veggies!) of someone else's labor.What you'll need:
- Several bunches of fresh carrots
- Large boiling pot or large steaming pot
- Two large bowls
- One sharp knife
- Small freezer bags
- Large baking sheet
Step 1: Pick your carrots!
Find the freshest carrots possible. You'll want carrots that are very young, have no core, are very tender, and are about medium length. Do not use any carrots that are old, limp, or shriveled. If you can't freeze them right after you pick them, make sure you put them in the fridge until you're ready.
Did you know?
There are two different types of carrot. The first, and more popular, is the Cultivated Carrot; the second, perhaps not as well known, is the Wild Carrot. The cultivated carrot is second only to the potato in popularity. The wild carrot is yellowish or ivory in colour; it is only edible when very young, and is actually considered a pernicious weed by some people.
Step 2: Wash, Peel& Cut!
You can use either cold or lukewarm water, but be sure to scrub them so they are nice and clean. There's really no need to freeze dirt.Before you peel the carrots, cut about a 1/4-inch off both ends. You can decide whether you want cubes or slices, or even thin strips.Question: When is the best time to freeze carrots?
Answer: You want to choose carrots that are nice and tender and very sweet. You do not want carrots that are too old because they tend to get very fibrous and will have a very tough consistency when thawed.
Step 3: Boil or steam!
Get your water boiling then add your carrots. If you have diced or sliced them into small, regular sizes, you will only need to boil or steam them for about two minutes. If you choose to keep your carrots a little larger, you may want to boil them for about five minutes. Be sure to keep the carrots covered when you're boiling them.And don't boil too many at the same time. You can always re-use your water and boil more (just add a little more warm water to keep the levels up). While your carrots are boiling, get a second bowl and fill it with ice and very cold water.
Step 4: Drain, Soak, Drain!
Drain your boiled carrots and immediately put them in ice water. You want to get them cooling quickly so they overcook. Be sure you have enough ice water to cover all of your carrots. You'll want to cool them for as long as you cooked them. So if you boiled them for two minutes, keep them in ice water for two minutes. If your carrots are a little bigger and you boiled them a little longer, then cool them a little longer. After you finish cooling them, drain them thoroughly.Question: The last time I froze carrots, they came out all rubbery after I cooked them. What did I do wrong?
Answer: It sounds like you froze carrots that were too old, or you may have overcooked them. Taste your carrots before boiling them to make sure they are the best carrots possible. And make sure you don't overcook them. Remember, if you have cut them into thin slices or diced them into small cubes, it only takes about two minutes to boil them, and another two minutes to soak them in ice water.
Step 5: Freeze!
In order to avoid getting the carrots all clumped up togetherduring the freezing process, spread them out nice and evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching each other. Once they are frozen, you can portion them out into freezer bags.Question: How long can you freeze carrots?
Answer: Depending on the size and how you packed them, carrots can generally be kept frozen anywhere from nine to 14 months.
Step 6: Portion Control!
You can use whatever size you like when deciding on a freezer bag. The best idea is to think ahead. Do you want individual-size portions, or family-friendly portions? Either way, it's a good idea to get a straw and try to suck out all the air from the freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn and allow you to enjoy the full flavors and nutritional benefits of your freshly frozen carrots. Of course, if you have a vacuum sealer, that's even better!Vitamins in 1 cup chopped (128g) of Carrots
| Vitamin | Quantity | %DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 21383 IU | 428% |
| Vitamin C | 7.6mg | 13% |
| Vitamin D | - | - |
| Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) | 0.8mg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 16.9 mcg | 21% |
| Thiamin | 0.1 mg | 6% |
| Riboflavin | 0.1 mg | 4% |
| Niacin | 1.3 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg | 9% |
| Folate | 24.3 mcg | 6% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0 mcg | 0% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.3 mg | 3% |
| Choline | 11.3 mg | 0% |
| Betaine | 0.5 mg | 0% |
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