Article: Freezing Carrots
Archived on 10/27/2009
By Ellen Brown
Selecting High-Quality Carrots: Fresh carrots may lose some of their crisp texture during freezing but will still be good for cooking. Select young, tender, medium length carrots free from cracks and dryness. Small carrots are usually the most tender. When harvesting, leave them in the garden until you're are ready to process them, but do not let them become too oversized or woody.
Preparing for Freezing: Remove the tops, wash and peel. Leave small carrots whole. Cut others into thin slices, 1/4-inch cubes, lengthwise strips or julienne them with a food processor. A 1-quart jar will hold approximately 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of slice or diced carrots. Approximately 12 medium carrots = 1 pint of puree.
Blanching Time: Water-blanch small whole carrots 5 minutes, diced or sliced pieces or lengthwise strips for 2 minutes. Steam-blanch for 7 and 3 minutes respectively. Cool promptly and drain.
Best Freezing Method(s):
- Boilable Bags: Place desired amounts sliced or julienne carrots into boiling bags, add desired seasoning, press out air and seal. Blanch in boiling water (4 bags at a time for 8 to 10 minutes), cool bags in ice water, pat dry and freeze. Leave 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Tray Packs: Clean and prepare carrots and either blanch or leave them unblanched. Lay in a single layer on cookie sheets and place them in the freezer. When fully frozen (12 to 24 hours), portion them into suitable containers and freeze. Leave 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Dry Packs: Transfer blanched or unblanched carrots directly into suitable containers for freezing. Leave a 1/2 inch of headspace.
Suitable Packaging: Freezer containers should be moisture and vapor resistant and should not be prone to cracking or breaking at low temperatures. Containers should protect food from absorbing flavors or odors and should be easy to label. Suitable packaging includes freezer-grade plastic bags, rigid plastic or glass containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Maximum Storage Time: 10 to 12 months at 0ºF.
Thawing: Add directly to cooking dishes without thawing.
Tips & Shortcuts: Whole carrots are the least likely to freeze well, so you are better off freezing slices, pieces or strips. Whole carrots can be left in the ground during the winter if you cover them heavily with mulch, however early spring thaws followed by refreezing may compromise quality and accessing them in winter can be difficult.
Refrigerating Carrots: Wrap carrots in paper towels and store in plastic bags for 1 to 3 months.
Feedback:
RE: Freezing Carrots
Hey, great info on the carrot situation! I raised lots of carrots this summer but too many got really big. I have peeled them and run them through the food processor. Tomorrow I plan to use the info I've received today to put them up. Thank you all so very much. (09/20/2007)
By Reba
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Request: Freezing Carrots
Archived on 10/03/2004
| Freezing Carrots
Date: 10/03/2004 Topics: Food Tips and Info > I found a great deal on carrots at the store this week and bought 10 pounds. I am wanting to freeze them to eat as a side-vegetable latter on. Any ideas on the best way to do this? I am supposing that I have to blanch/boil them for a bit first but don't know how long. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Donna in Kansas |
| Answers: |
| RE: Freezing Carrots |
10/03/2004 |
| Wash and scrape or wash and dice or section lengthwise. Small carrots may be frozen whole. Scald carrots 3 min & whole carrots 5 min. cool, drain and pack in vacuum bags or plastic freezer boxes or freezer jars. Seal, label and freeze. Hope this helps. |
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By Sharonx6
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| RE: Freezing Carrots |
10/04/2004 |
| If you have a baby or know someone who has a baby who is eating food, you can cook some of them, mash in a blender, and freeze individual servings in ice cube trays. After they are frozen, pop out and put in a large baggie in the freezer. One cube is usually the perfect size for a beginning eater! My son loved them! |
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By Jill (Guest Post)
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| RE: Freezing Carrots |
10/05/2004 |
| Babies under the age of 1yr should only eat carrots prepared by baby food makers. Apparently they are quite high in nitrates and can be dangerous for them. My daughter found this out from her well baby nurse recently . Better to be safe than sorry . |
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By Terri (Guest Post)
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| RE: Freezing Carrots |
10/14/2004 |
| Thanks sharonx6 for the info, extremely helpfull! |
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By Avigayil (Guest Post)
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| RE: Freezing Carrots |
07/09/2005 |
| I bought a lot of carrots. I want to freeze them for making carrot cake later on. Can I grate, spread out on a cookie sheet to freeze quickly, then bag them? I have bags of grated zucchini bagged in the freezer that make excellent bread. |
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By Linda Sullivan (Guest Post)
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