Can You Freeze Fresh Carrots?

Whether you’re picking up a bag of whole carrots at your grocery store or are harvesting homegrown carrots from your own garden, you may find yourself with more fresh carrots than you can use in one recipe. Learn if you can freeze the carrots for later, or if you’re better off finding another use for them before they shrivel up.

How Long Can Unpeeled Fresh Carrots Last?

Unpeeled fresh carrots can last in the fridge for up to four weeks.

Can You Freeze Fresh Carrots?

Yes, you can freeze fresh carrots, but our experts have a few tips, including the best fresh carrots to freeze, and the steps needed for the best long-term storage solution.

The Best Type Of Fresh Carrots To Freeze

If you want to freeze fresh carrots, it’s best to start by evaluating the carrots you’ve bought or harvested.

“I strongly believe you must start with fresh young carrots. Older carrots tend to be tough and lose their flavor. I always choose carrots from behind the ones at the front of the display case as they tend to be fresher,”says chef and cookbook author Cristina Ferrare.

How To Freeze Fresh Carrots: 4 Easy Steps

After you’ve chosen the carrots that you’d like to preserve for a longer time, follow the advice given by Emilie Berner, chef-instructor of Plant-Based Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education:

1. Peel and cut the carrots to their desired shape.
2. Then blanch and shock them.
3. Spread them out on a parchment-lined sheet pan in one layer to freeze.
4. Once frozen, you can pop them off and store them in a freezer bag.

What Happens When You Freeze Fresh Carrots?

“Freezing expands the water in the cells and, when you defrost, the cells break and the water comes out. The end result is that carrots that have a more mushy texture,” explains Greg Garrison.

How Should You Use Frozen Fresh Carrots In Your Cooking?

Frozen carrots “are good for stir fry, or to make soups and stews with, but not great for a snack or crudité. Frozen and thawed carrots will lose their crunch entirely,” says Berner.

That said, “if your recipe or dish calls for cooked carrots, frozen carrots can work. However, I recommend defrosting the carrots first and removing the liquid. Otherwise, you may end up with a watery dish, as the carrots will release the water as they defrost on their own,” says Garrison. 

According to Berner, “soups, stews, casseroles, baby food, and anything cooked” are good ways to use frozen carrots.