The blanching process allows you to preserve the flavor and color of the vegetables, but it is quite long and laborious. If you're short on time, you can freeze carrots without blanching them first, still guaranteeing a shelf life of up to 10 months. Carrots can be chopped, shredded, or pureed, based on personal preference. Once ready, you can freeze them with the guarantee that they will remain fresh and good until the moment of use.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Freeze Chopped Carrots
Step 1. Cut the carrots into pieces about 1 cm in size
Peel them with the knife and trim them by removing a couple of centimeters at the ends. For convenience, it is preferable to cut them into slices about 1 cm thick; it will be easier to store them and they will freeze better.
- You can freeze carrots whole as well, but cutting them into small pieces will keep them fresh longer.
- If you notice any soil residue on the carrots, rinse them under cold running water before cutting them.
Step 2. Seal the chopped carrots in an airtight bag or container
Place them in a resealable bag or container with a few inches of free space so the carrots can expand as they freeze. Insert a straw into the bag and suck out as much air as possible before sealing it.
- If there is little air in the container, carrots will keep better when placed in the freezer.
- For the best possible result, use a vacuum sealer.
Step 3. Place the container in the freezer
Place it on a flat surface, preferably near the back wall of the freezer. Don't forget to put a label with the preparation date so that you can easily calculate the best before date.
Do not remove carrots from the freezer until you are ready to cook them. Vegetables tend to lose flavor if you defrost them and then refreeze them
Step 4. Store carrots in the freezer for up to 10-12 months
Although frozen, carrots that have not been blanched should be eaten within 10-12 months, as the taste and texture can change over time. Ideally, you should use them within a couple of months to fully enjoy their flavor.
Frozen carrots, blanched or not, can last over 12 months, but are likely to be marred by some cold burns
Method 2 of 3: Freeze the Chopped Carrots
Step 1. Wash the carrots in the sink before cutting them
Rinse them under cold running water and scrub them with your fingers to remove soil residue, especially if you plucked them directly in the garden.
If you intend to chop carrots, there is no need to peel them
Step 2. Trim the carrots at the ends
Take a knife and remove an inch or so from the ends, then throw away the scraps as you won't be using them.
Step 3. Chop the carrots with the food processor
Cut them into slices a couple of centimeters thick and transfer them to the food processor container. Press the power button and wait for the carrots to be completely chopped.
- Some blenders can also be used to chop vegetables as well as to blend them. You can find out by reading the instruction booklet.
- If you prefer, you can chop the carrots using a grater. Move them up and down along the side of the grater you need to cut the cheese or vegetables into thin flakes until you have chopped all of them.
Step 4. Transfer the chopped carrots to an airtight container or resealable bag
Leave a couple of inches of free space so the carrots can expand as they freeze. Try to flatten the bag as much as possible with your hands, then let the remaining air out with the help of a rolling pin. After sealing it, store the bag in the freezer until you are ready to use the carrots.
Write the date on a label and stick it on the container to find out how long you have been storing carrots in the freezer
Step 5. Use the carrots within a few months
Chopped carrots, which have not been blanched, can last up to 10-12 months, after which time they will begin to lose flavor. However, the ideal is to eat them within a couple of months to make sure that the texture and taste remain completely unchanged.
Method 3 of 3: Freeze the Puree Carrots
Step 1. Steam the carrots, in the microwave, in boiling water or in the oven.
Cook the carrots as you wish so you won't have difficulty blending them. It will be much easier to purée them after they are cooked and softened.
- Puree carrots before freezing them to better preserve their taste. You can put them in a soup, in a baked product and in your baby's food.
- Once cooked, allow the carrots to cool before pureeing them in the blender.
Step 2. Blend the cooked carrots
Cut them into slices about 1 cm thick and put them in the blender. Read the instruction manual of the appliance to find out which function is best for blending carrots. Some models have a specific function to reduce fruit or vegetables to a thick and uniform puree.
Never insert your fingers or any utensils into the blender bowl while the appliance is running
Step 3. Add milk or water for a smoother puree
Turn off the blender and check the consistency of the puree. If it feels too thick, you can dilute it by adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk or water. Resume blending, then check to see if you need to add more liquid. Continue like this until you get the desired consistency.
- If you want the carrot puree to be thick and consistent, don't add liquids.
- You can dilute the puree with the water you used to boil or steam the carrots to accentuate the taste.
Step 4. Transfer the puree to an airtight container suitable for freezing food
When it has reached the desired consistency, pour the puree into a container with a lid. Leave a few inches of free space so the puree can expand as it freezes, then close the container with the lid and place it in the freezer.
- Write the date on a label, then stick it on the container to find out how long you have been storing carrots in the freezer and to easily calculate the expiration date.
- If you want to use a glass container, make sure it is suitable for storing food in the freezer. Ordinary glass jars can break or explode at lower temperatures.
Step 5. Store the carrot puree in the freezer and use it within 3 months
The texture and taste of the carrot puree will remain unchanged for about 3 months, after which cold burns may appear. If you notice that the expiration date is approaching, use it as soon as possible to prevent it from deteriorating.
Once thawed, the carrot puree can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days
Advice
- Use an airtight container that is suitable for freezing food to protect carrots from cold burns.
- Slightly unripe carrots tend to withstand low freezer temperatures better, even without blanching them.
- Use frozen carrots for recipes where they don't need to have the original texture, such as making soup or stew.
