Who knew it was so simple?

They were bruised and mushy days ago.

Different fruits and vegetables call for different approaches to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible.

Carrots being washed under flowing water

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Just like you wouldn’t put apotato in the refrigerator(pantry only!

), you don’t necessarily treat herbs the same as berries or salad greens.

Here are our tips for keeping carrots crisp long after you bring them home.

How to Freeze and Thaw Fruits and Vegetables

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Should You Rinse Carrots Before Storing?

No, you should wait until you intend to cook or use the carrots to wash them.

Water left on carrots from rinsing can cause mold to grow, effectively ruining your efforts to preserve them.

Carrots on Kitchen Towel

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Don’t toss them quite yet.

They’re dehydrated

Your carrots might just need a big gulp of water.

Check back in an hour; they should be firming right up.

If you notice this frequently with green-top carrots fresh from thefarmers' marketor garden, don’t fret.

It can cause a change in texture and color and cause carrots to rot prematurely.

Then separate the produce, and store your carrots in water to bring them back to life.

Can You Freeze Carrots?

Yes, freezing carrots is always an option if you don’t plan to use them immediately.

To prioritize long-term freshness, switch out the water every week.

Not so much anymore!

Carrots preserved this way can stay fresh for up to three weeks.

Use a root cellar

The most effective method for storing carrots is to use a root cellar.

Pack your unwashed carrots in a root cellar in a sealed container to keep them fresh for months.

Carrots stored properly can stay fresh for up to six months in a root cellar.

The leafy green tops of carrots draw moisture away from the root, which makes them dry out faster.

But you don’t have to throw those greens away.

Use them instead of basil to make apesto, or chop them into a gremolata in place of parsley.

How Long Do Carrots Last?

With proper storage, carrots last anywhere froma few days to a month.

Unpeeled carrots are protected by the skin.

ensure peeled carrots, including baby carrots, are stored in fresh water to rehydrate them.