How to store carrots for the winter - advice from an experienced housewife. Ways to store carrots in the cellar in the winter

Grown on household plots root crops are traditionally used not only in summer, but are also stored for storage. This is facilitated by the unpretentiousness of crops and their productivity. The easiest way to store carrots and beets for the winter is to use heaps, cellars and cellars.

Under conditions of low temperature, root crops enter a dormant period, the growth of tops stops or slows down, there is no need to obtain moisture and nutrients.

But no matter how picky the culture may be, during the months of storage, beets and carrots inevitably lose moisture, can rot and become infected with mold fungi. And an increase in temperature in the place of storage activates growth processes. In addition, not all root crops are equally well stored. Their ability to retain moisture and resist spoilage is affected by both the timing of harvest and the initial quality of the crop. How to store beets and carrots? What root crops will survive many months in a heap or basement, and what to do with the rest of the crop?

When to harvest carrots and beets?

To provide for the winter juicy carrots and beets, you should start with choosing the time of harvesting root crops, because an insufficiently mature, thin surface layer cannot serve as a reliable protection for the pulp, and the root crop itself does not have time to accumulate the proper amount of reserve nutrients. Because of this, unripe beets or carrots wither faster, undergo mechanical damage and are affected by microorganisms. Therefore, summer root crops are only good for quick consumption, not storage.

In rainy weather, when it is also not worth harvesting beets and carrots for laying for the winter, root crops accumulate moisture and are more prone to rot.

AT middle lane carrots can be harvested from the second half of September until October, the main thing is that the crop is harvested before the onset of stable frosts. Such a step, in comparison with the early harvesting of root crops, will reduce shrinkage by 10-20% over the winter months.

The dates for harvesting beets, which rise above the soil level and are more affected by frost, come a little earlier, when the tops turn yellow and dry out en masse. Usually this time falls on the first half of September, and you should not hesitate. After all, we must not forget about the activity of rodents that do not disdain root crops in rapidly emptying beds:

When the time comes for harvesting, the root crops are carefully dug up, for which it is more convenient to use not a shovel, but a pitchfork.
Then for bunches of tops already by hand and the beets are removed from the ground.
Leaving short, up to 2 cm long petioles, immediately remove the greens.
Root crops are allowed to dry, and after sorting they are sent for storage.

How to store beets and carrots?

Beets are less demanding on storage conditions than carrots. Therefore, if there is ventilation in the basement or cellar, a temperature in the range of 2–6 ° C and a humidity of 85–95%, burgundy root crops are perfectly stored on a par with potatoes in heaps, boxes or containers:

Root crops pre-treated with a porridge-like composition of clay mixed with water are well stored. After immersion in such a product, carrots and beets are removed, dried and stored in the basement, and thanks to the clay layer that retains moisture, the crop is guaranteed to be protected from wilting and spoilage. How to properly store beets and carrots if it is not possible to use sand and clay? In refrigerated storage, carrots and beets can remain fresh even in tight plastic bags with a capacity of 20 to 50 kg. Packages filled with vegetables are not tied, but placed vertically on racks.

As a result of the respiration of root crops, high humidity and a concentration of 2–3% are formed inside the containers. carbon dioxide. Moreover, at a temperature close to zero and high humidity, no signs of decay or mold development are noticed.

It has been noticed that small and ugly root crops during storage lose moisture by 10–20% more than selected carrots and beets. But what if ideal vegetables do not always grow in the beds? How to save such carrots and beets for the winter? Throwing away the crop is not worth it, because even not the most beautiful and large specimens can be useful and get on the table in the form of homemade preparations. Beets and carrots can be frozen for the winter, and several in original ways. Root crops dry well. These vegetables are salted, pickled and sour; sweet root crops make delicious jam and jam, juices and candied fruits.

Is it possible to freeze beets and carrots for the winter?

Quick freezing of fresh carrots and beets allows you to save all the taste of these vegetables, and their beneficial properties.

In the simplest case, peeled and chopped root crops are dried on a paper towel, and then laid out in portions in bags, closed and sent to freezer. Beets and carrots frozen for the winter can, if necessary, at the stage heat treatment add to any dishes, be it soups, side dishes, gravies or stir-fries.

Since both beets and carrots require long cooking or stewing, before freezing, the roots are blanched for several minutes and then poured over cold water which improves the taste and speeds up the cooking process.

If you chop the vegetables, then carrot and beetroot puree can be frozen for the winter in portion molds:

The resulting cubes are convenient to use
They don't take up much space in the freezer.
In this form, the beneficial properties of root crops are preserved until the next harvest.

Similarly, for the winter, you can freeze beet and carrot juice, if you wish, you can make bright vitamin ice cream from it by adding yogurt, a little honey and orange juice.

Storage of beets and carrots in dried form

No less simple and affordable way storage of beets and carrots is the drying of root crops for the winter. Pre-vegetables are thoroughly washed, peeled and cut at the discretion of the hostess. The thinner the slices of beets and carrots, the less time it will take to remove moisture. Root crops can be dried both in the oven and in a special dryer, the main thing is that the slices do not stick together and burn. Therefore, the raw materials are stirred from time to time and ensure that the temperature does not exceed 60-70 ° C.

Properly dried vegetables do not lose their original color and properties inherent in fresh crops.

Such carrots and beets can be added to your favorite soups, vegetable stews and other dishes. Storing beets and carrots in this form does not require much space, and in a closed glass container, flakes remain unchanged throughout the year.

Salting and storage of beets and carrots

For salting, it is best to take medium-sized root crops, which, after cleaning, are cut, blanched and laid out in clean jars, leaving a little space at the neck. The containers are filled with boiling 2% brine, making sure that the liquid occupies all the cavities, and there is no left in the jars. air bubbles. The pickles are then sterilized and covered with lids. It is better to store beets and carrots in this form in the cold, in a household refrigerator or basement.

Homemade carrots and beets for the winter

Homemade preparations from beets, carrots and other vegetables in winter time seriously replenish the menu and help to cope with the lack of vitamins in the diet. Many people know and love beet and carrot salads and snacks. Root vegetables go great with others. horticultural crops, for example, cabbage and tomatoes, zucchini and eggplant, and herbs.

Cubes of pickled beets and carrots are a good help for making vinaigrettes and other healthy snacks. Beets and carrots can, as of old, be fermented together with white cabbage, and separately.

Indispensable in winter is a pre-prepared bright dressing for borscht, where, in addition to carrots and beets, onions are added, Bell pepper and tomatoes, garlic, dill and parsley.

Peeled and chopped carrots and onion fry.
Next, the beets are fried and stewed, at the half-cooked stage, diced sweet pepper and tomato are added.
Vegetables are combined, seasoned with salt, vinegar, all the necessary spices and herbs.
The dressing is laid out in jars, sterilized and closed.

Such a summer preparation not only saves time, but also gives borscht a truly summer taste and aroma. Yes, and the entire grown crop of root crops goes into business and benefits until the next garden season.

Freezing seasonal vegetables - video

How to store carrots so that they lie for a long time? This question is often asked by gardeners. After all, this root crop is quite whimsical and capricious, and in order to preserve it, you need to show all your knowledge. Today we will make this task easier for you by listing all the ways to store carrots, and you can choose the option that suits you. But first, it is necessary to prepare the vegetable for laying, for the winter, but let's talk about everything in order.

Preparing carrots for storage for the winter.

In order for the storage procedure to be as simple and effective as possible, it should be remembered that timely harvesting greatly extends the storage time. And this applies to absolutely any vegetables or fruits.

When the carrots are ripe.

Often, to find out the ripening dates, and just look at the bag of seeds, they most often indicate approximate dates. It should be carefully monitored.

If you planted homemade seeds, or threw out a bag, you should be guided by the color of the tops. The lower leaves signal the readiness of the root crop for harvesting, they just need to turn yellow, and you can start work.

Before harvesting, you do not need to water the garden, so the vegetable will be more juicy. After pulling it out of the ground, immediately cut off the tops.

Trimming method:

The first step is to cut the leaves, immediately after the head of the root crop.
After that, the head is cut off (thickness up to 1 cm), the growth point is also cut off, the cut should be smooth.

This is done in order to make it easier to store carrots in winter so that they do not germinate. After the procedure, the vegetables need to be dried in the sun for several hours, or ventilated under a canopy.

A week the crop is stored at a temperature up to +14C. This is necessary in order to tighten the cut points, and other damage. And also during this time you will be able to identify unhealthy root crops that you need to get rid of.

Necessary materials: sand (loamy), box, water.

Ideal for the owner of a small cellar, garage pit, underground. Sand copes well with its functions, it does not produce excess moisture, and maintains a constant temperature. Good keeping quality until spring is guaranteed. +

Take wet sand, for this, 1 liter of water is added to a bucket of sand. After that, it is poured to the bottom of the box (a layer of about 4 centimeters) and the fruits are laid out, just make sure that they do not touch each other. We fill them with a layer of sand, 4 centimeters and repeat the procedure.

In sawdust:

It is necessary to prepare: sawdust coniferous trees, box

The method is similar to storage in sand, lay out layers in a box.

In plastic bags

You will need: polyethylene bag.

This method of storage is suitable for cool rooms. The bag is filled with root crops and left open. This method prevents not only wilting, but also the appearance of pathogenic bacteria that cause the vegetable to rot. If you chose to close the bag, you still need to make holes in it to get fresh air inside.

If condensation begins to appear in the bags, then the humidity is increased, scatter lime next to it - fluff, it will absorb excess moisture.

Storage of carrots in clay:

What do you need: clay, water, box, plastic wrap, you can take garlic.

With the help of clay, you can cover the root crop with a protective crust, which will keep it in excellent, fresh condition until spring.

Pour half a bucket of clay with water, and leave for a day. During this time, it will swell well, now it should be mixed thoroughly, then fill it again with water. The layer of water above the clay should be a couple of centimeters. When it is the consistency of sour cream, you can begin the procedure.

Lined at the bottom of the box polyethylene film. We spread the carrots on it, make sure that they do not touch each other. And fill it with clay, after which again a layer of root and clay.

Storing carrots in onion peel:

Carrots are one of the most consumed vegetables, and it's pretty hard to imagine your diet without them. Owners own gardens prefer to grow them themselves rather than buy from the market, because getting good harvest carrots with competent attention is not difficult. The problem here is different - how to preserve the roots grown before spring, protect them from decay and shrinkage. So, how to store carrots at home in winter and which carrots are best stored in winter?

What varieties of carrots are stored better in winter? Best for winter storage were late:

Queen of autumn;

Flacccoro;

Vita Longo and Carlin.

Vita Longo

And mid-season varieties of carrots for winter storage:

Samson;

Vitamin;

Shantane and NIOH-336.

The presence of such a property as crumbs is not a guarantee that the crop will be successfully preserved.

Soil composition, summer rainfall, pests and untimely early or late harvest can seriously affect the preservation of root crops in winter and shelf life.

Storing carrots for the winter at home

It is very important to choose root crops in a timely manner, guided by the color of the foliage: if lower leaves turn yellow - you can clean.
10 days before the proposed cleaning, pour the well between the rows of water. Vegetables absorb moisture, become sweeter and juicier.
Dig very carefully, try not to damage the vegetables. Carefully lift the soil with a shovel and gently pull the top.
Cut off the tops, leaving about 1 centimeter. Carefully remove the stuck soil from the fruit.
Spread the culture on a dry, ventilated surface and leave for 1-2 days.
Put the carrots in boxes.

It is advisable to keep the roots in a room with a temperature of about 15 degrees for the next two weeks. At this time, spoiled vegetables will feel; go again, leaving only quality.

Storing carrots for the winter requires a certain temperature and humidity with a stable temperature, preferably without changes and fluctuations. In winter, ideal for storing root crops, the microclimate can only be created in the cellar, it is + 1-3 degrees with an air humidity of 90-95%.

You can store carrots:

in wooden boxes on the sand;
in coniferous sawdust;
in a clay mash;
in plastic bags.

Sometimes summer dwellers also use alternative methods storage, for example, make collars. First, the carrots are prepared for storage, the tops are cut off, the roots are dried. Lay a small depression in the ground covered with sawdust or straw. Above the shoulder is covered with earth. A pipe or valve must be placed to prevent condensation in the storage. With this method of storage, carrots are juicy, as if only from a garden bed.

Is it possible to wash carrots before storing for the winter?

There is a strong belief that before going to bed for the winter, carrots should not be washed. You can easily remove big chunks land and store them as they are. Washed carrots disappear faster and do not withstand long-term storage.

Do you think carrots should be washed before storage?

YesNot

But at the same time, on the shelves of stores, we see that washed carrots are preserved, as well as unwashed carrots. Let's find out. Wash or not wash carrots before planting?

Before the long winter, there are adherents of washing carrots. They put forward the following arguments:

When washing, you can find skin lesions or areas affected by rot hidden under stuck-on clusters.
If the soil was treated with chemicals in the summer and the summer was dry, chemical substances could remain in the soil and introduce root culture during storage.
Pathogenic organisms contained in the soil penetrate the skin of the fruit and are the causes of disease and decay. When washing, this danger is practically reduced to zero.
During the storage period, it is recommended to regularly examine root crops to determine the beginning of spoiled samples.

On a note. If the carrots are washed, it is much easier to identify the affected fruit and prevent it from infecting others.

The main disadvantages are only the complexity of the process:

With large volumes of grown crops, it is quite difficult to thoroughly wash each carrot. Rinse running water. Not everyone home plot such opportunity. For high-quality washing of vegetables, it is necessary to deliver a large amount of water.
They just take out carrots from the ground, which need to be dried. It takes 2-3 hours. If it gets wet during washing, it takes much longer to dry.
To store washed carrots, you must carefully prepare the room, boxes, baskets or bags. Washed carrots should not be contacted with unwashed ones, otherwise they will not be protected from pathogens.

Where in the apartment to store carrots in winter?

Carrots do not store well in an apartment, but there are some secrets that allow you to successfully store these root crops in your apartment. The main ways to store carrots in an apartment are:

Plastic bags. If the carrots are small, they can be packed in vacuum plastic bags (you can use regular ones) and put in the refrigerator in the refrigerator. But carrots cannot be preserved this way for a long period, as carbon dioxide accumulates in the packages, and the root vegetables begin to deteriorate after a while. If you make holes in the bags, then after a while the carrots will lose a significant amount of moisture and will have poor consumer characteristics.
Clay. Carrots keep well in an apartment if they are dipped in an acidic solution of clay and then dried. Thus, each carrot will have a clay shell that will protect the root crop from diseases and from excessive evaporation of moisture. In addition, oxygen and carbon dioxide easily pass through the clay. After the clay coating dries, the carrots should be put in plastic bags and stored in a cool place in the apartment.

Paper boxes. Carrots can be stored in paper boxes, while you need to collect carrot horseradish. Usually for every 20 pcs. carrots, one horseradish rhizome is placed on a length of up to 30 centimeters. Horseradish secretes essential oils that prevent the development of mold and fungal diseases. Boxes should be tightly closed and stored in a cool place.
Onion peel. Carrots keep well with onion skins. To do this, each layer of carrots must be poured with dry husks and tightly closed paper boxes. Thus, in a cool place, carrots can be stored for a long period of time, but after a while they may disappear.
Boxes. If you have a well-insulated balcony, it's best to store your carrots in boxes. In this case, the carrots are laid in layers so that the roots do not touch each other, and it pours out with wet sand. If there is no severe frost, carrots can be stored as long as the temperature environment will not rise, that is, until mid-spring.
Sand. You can store carrots in sandboxes on stairs if you trust your neighbors and strangers are not included in the entrance.

Often a small amount of carrots are processed in food processor and stored in plastic bags in the freezer. But with such storage, the taste and most of the vitamins are lost.
Keeping carrots indoors is not difficult if you know how to store these vegetables effectively. Each method allows, at least for some time, even in the absence of optimal conditions, to store quality carrots.

Video

You can also watch a video where they will tell you how to store carrots in the garage.

Try not to store the crop alone, preferably in several ways. For example: send half to the basement, leave it in the ground for a bit, grind a part and freeze it. At the same time, you will be sure: even if some of the options do not justify themselves, most of the fruits will be stored until spring.

If there was a rich harvest, then the owner will definitely have a problem how to save carrots for the winter. There are rules under which the storage of carrots is not a difficult process. The main thing is to comply with all conditions and maintain them throughout the entire period until spring.

Preparing carrots for storage

Remove root crops promptly.
Cut off all tops.
Dry and ventilate for 2-3 hours.
Keep root crops for a week at a temperature of 10–14 ° C.

Immediately before storage, all carrots are carefully inspected and fruits with damage and stains are removed.

How to prune carrots for storage

If pruned incorrectly, carrots can germinate in winter. If the tops are not cut at all, the carrots will wither, because the greens will suck out all the moisture from it.

Proper pruning in preparation for storage involves two stages: first, the greens are cut before the root crop begins. The second stage is cutting the head to a thickness of half a centimeter. This will keep the carrots from sprouting during winter storage and keep them fresh. appearance and quality for a long time.

Where to store carrots

Storage of carrots in winter can be carried out not only in the cellar or basement, but also in a city apartment. The main thing is to create all the conditions so that the root crops do not germinate and do not rot. When withering, the product loses all its juice, which contains most of the vitamins. If available, then a cold pantry is also suitable, but only if the temperature regime corresponds necessary conditions storage.

Flat

There are several options for storing a rich crop in an apartment. First of all, apartment owners do not have a basement, and therefore there are two ways to create the necessary temperature conditions: a refrigerator or a balcony. In the refrigerator, you can store root vegetables either in plastic bags or using a freezer. In the latter case, the carrots need to be grated.

Balcony

For this purpose, a glazed, but unheated balcony is suitable. You can choose any method: peat, sawdust, sand. Important rule- Root crops should be isolated from each other. In this case, there is no risk of rot and its spread to all stored root crops. On the open balcony it will not be possible to save the crop, because it will freeze with temperature changes.

The box that stands on the balcony with vegetables should be closed, and in severe frosts it is recommended to cover it with warm clothes or wrap it in another way. At a positive temperature, it is not worth wrapping a container with root crops, since it can prohibit and the process of decay will begin.

Cellar

Cellar in a private house - best option for proper storage of carrots in winter. Here you can create best conditions. Including temperature and humidity. In the cellar, the root crop is stored in any kind of bags, wooden and plastic boxes with filler. It can be sand, sawdust and even earth with clay.

To preserve the crop in the cellar, it is important to disinfect and disinfest the premises in order to remove insects, rodents, and also destroy fungal spores. All this can interfere with the safety of root crops, and you will lose the crop.

garden bed

The original way of storage is a garden bed. It is important to understand that in this case, the carrots remain until spring, since the bed cannot be opened. Thus, the root crops are preserved until the spring heat, and you can eat them until fresh greens appear.

Storage in the garden begins with the fact that all the tops of the carrots are cut to the very base. Then the bed is sprinkled with coarse-grained wet sand. Then they stretch the film, on which peat, sawdust or humus are poured. As a result, everything is covered with another film or roofing material. In this form, carrots will successfully overwinter until they are dug out and will not deteriorate. It is important that there is no close occurrence of groundwater.

How to store carrots for the winter

The correct bookmark for the winter depends on what exactly the root crop is stored in. Much depends on the filler, since each gardener chooses the best option for himself. But each method has its own nuances that you need to pay attention to.

In sand

The most common method. The main advantages of sand are that it allows you to maintain the temperature regime necessary for carrots and at the same time does not allow root crops to come into contact with each other.

For storage you will need a box, sand and water. Use 1 liter of water per bucket of sand. This is enough to moisturize. Sand is laid out at the bottom of the box with a layer of 5 cm thick. Top with a layer of carrots so that the roots do not touch each other. Sand on top, then another layer and repeat until the box is full. Dry sand is also acceptable. It makes sense to add ash or slaked lime to the sand.

in sawdust

Sawdust should be exclusively coniferous, since such a filler prevents infection with a fungus and kills pathogenic microbes. In sawdust, carrots are also stored in layers. In addition, phytoncides, which are contained in sawdust, will prevent germination during storage.

in the ground

Experts do not recommend storing the entire crop in the garden, since these root crops will be available for consumption only in the spring. This method is only suitable for those who have supplies for the winter. A vegetable in the garden will help you get enough vitamins in spring and early summer.

in polyethylene

Polythene bags are great for storing root vegetables over the winter. If stored in the refrigerator, bags are perfect.

When laying root crops in bags, it is also recommended to use sawdust of coniferous trees to pour root crops for safety. This prevents the fruits from touching, kills pathogens, as well as fungus. tie plastic bag it is impossible, because carrots must have access to air. The bag must be placed in a dark and cool place. If in winter there is a risk of a strong change in temperature, then the bag will need to be covered with warm clothes.

Important! When placed in polyethylene, carrots need to be dried as much as possible, because, otherwise, the process of decay will accelerate.

in a saucepan

A great way to save a small amount of vegetables. This will require enamel pan. You need to harvest, dry and cut each instance, and then lay it vertically in a pan. Top with a newspaper or napkin, and cover the pan with a lid. Thus, you can keep the crop in a cool place until spring.

In onion or garlic peel

As a filler for boxes and bags for storing root crops, onion or garlic peel. The impact of such bedding is the same as when using coniferous sawdust. Onion and garlic husks contain special essential oils that will prevent rot from spreading and repel rodents and insects. This method is especially useful when stored in a cellar. You also need to lay in layers. The first layer of the husk in the box should be thicker, and then we simply pour all the layers of carrots, avoiding contact between the root crops.

In a refrigerator

In the refrigerator, the root crop is stored on the bottom shelf, in a plastic bag. In this case, the carrots must be absolutely dry, and the bag tightly closed to prevent the penetration of foreign odors from the refrigerator.

With a small amount of vegetable, there is a way in which you need to wrap each root crop with a stretch film and then put it in the refrigerator.

Freezer

The freezer is suitable for storing a small amount of product. Pre-root crops must be washed and grated on a coarse grater. Then distribute the resulting mass into bags, close them tightly and put in the freezer.

The amount of frozen vegetables in this case depends on the size of the freezer. If the owner has a large separate freezer, then more useful root crops can be saved.

How to store washed carrots

Washed carrots do not last as long as dirty ones. Therefore, for long-term storage, it is not recommended to wash root crops.

The washed root crop is only suitable either for short-term storage in the refrigerator with early use or, as an option, for freezing. In the latter case, it is necessary to wash the vegetable.

Important! If the harvest is large, and it is planned to save the fruits for the whole winter, then you just need to shake off the ground and clean the root crop with your hands. Store washed carrots for a long time will not work.

At what temperature to store carrots

Carrot storage conditions suggest high humidity and low temperature. Optimal option:

Temperature 0–2 °C .
Humidity 90–97%.

It is important to monitor the humidity, because at elevated rates, the crop will simply rot.

To control the temperature in the room where the root crop is stored, there must be a thermometer. In case of frost, be sure to protect and cover the crop so that it does not freeze. Otherwise storage is useless.

Shelf life

The term depends on the selected storage method. The maximum period during which the product retains its taste and nutritional qualities is 12 months. But this requires constant compliance with all storage conditions. The storage temperature of carrots should not fall below zero, since the root crop loses its taste and can no longer be stored for a year.

Conclusion

Saving carrots for the winter is easy. Subject to temperature regime and humidity, root crops will be stored through the winter and even more. It is important to properly prepare them. Experienced gardeners know that, ideally, you also need to choose the right variety. Optimal for storage are varieties of conical shape and medium size. You should also pay attention to the timing of the harvest. The product, both unripe and overripe, cannot be stored for a long time. Right grade, proper preparation, bookmark for storage - three pillars on which the long-term storage of root crops in winter is based.

What should be done first?

The first thing to do for anyone who wants to store this vegetable long time, is to trim the tops. At the same time, it is extremely important to do everything right. First you need to cut the vegetation a little higher than the head of the root crop. If carrots are bought in the market, then the leaves are often already cut off.

Next, you need to remove the head itself with a thickness of about one centimeter, trying to make the cut even. After this procedure, it is desirable to dry the carrots. Cutting the tops contributes to the preservation of all the necessary vitamins and nutrients in the root crop, and also prevents the product from quickly rotting or drying out. Before placing the carrots directly into the storage place, you need to carefully sort them out again.

The most important stage

How to store carrots? For the winter, you need to prepare the storage itself. The usual procedure for garbage disposal, ventilation and disinfection will not take much effort and money, but will ensure the longest possible storage of vegetables. Most optimum temperature, at which it is recommended to store carrots, is +1 degree Celsius. Humidity in the room should be at the level of 90-95%. To ensure such an indicator, you can use ordinary plastic bags, because they do not allow moisture to evaporate from the carrot. The package itself should be kept open. This is necessary so that the amount of carbon dioxide released by the root crop does not exceed the amount of oxygen. Otherwise, there will be a quick deterioration of stocks.

Many people wonder how to store carrots for the winter. At the same time, not everyone knows that the solution to this problem can be the use of ordinary wet sand. This will help those who do not know how to store carrots in the cellar. You can moisten the sand with water (one liter per bucket). It is recommended to stack carrots in boxes in layers. Each root crop must be surrounded by sand on all sides.

How to store carrots in the cellar?

An important rule: it is unacceptable to lower the temperature to 0 degrees and increase to +3 Celsius.

The most common way to store carrots is to simply sprinkle them on the cellar floor. This solution to the problem is the simplest and does not require special costs time and effort, however, as practice shows, the long-term storage of stocks is significantly reduced.

Many people try to store this vegetable in wood or drywall boxes. Also very common are the methods of storage in sand or in plastic bags, as described above.

Another fairly effective option for how to store carrots is to place them on shelves, the bottom of which is about a meter away from the floor (the rest can be placed at any distance from each other).

How to store carrots in the basement?

This option is in many ways reminiscent of storing vegetables in the cellar, but it has its own characteristics.

In the basement, as in the cellar, it is customary to place carrots in boxes. In this case, the container should have a maximum capacity of approximately 20-30 kilograms of vegetables. Firstly, this will provide additional space for other root crops, and secondly, tightly closed boxes will help keep stocks in good condition for a long time. It is recommended to place boxes without contact with walls or floors. To do this, just place them on a small stand. This solution will reduce the risk of mold and rot on root crops.

An effective way is to store carrots in coniferous sawdust. Vegetables can be covered with sawdust in the same boxes or in any other container. If the reservoir is deep enough, then there may be several such layers.

What can be done in the apartment?

A great option for those who live in an apartment and want to know how to store carrots is the suggestion of placing root vegetables on the balcony. For this, a regular box with insulated walls is quite suitable. How to store carrots in an apartment without worrying about its safety? Easily. You just need to sprinkle it with onion peel, and the stocks will not lose their appearance for a long time.

If there is no opportunity to place vegetables on the balcony, then ordinary chalk can be diluted with water to the consistency of 10% fat sour cream. Carrots must be placed in this liquid. It is preserved better, however, in the future, some difficulties may arise when washing root crops.

Alternative option

Before storing carrots in the refrigerator, it is best to freeze or can them. In this form, it does not form toxins that are dangerous to human health. Therefore, the preservation of root crops in dried, frozen or canned form is the best option.

Which varieties last longer?

Each person who decides to buy or grow carrots thinks about which varieties among the existing variety are best suited for storage. Experts say that mid-season and late varieties of the considered root crops lie longer than the others. One of the most common is the "red giant". This property mid-season variety keeps up to the middle of spring, at the same time it differs in unusual softness.

Another lovely variety- Viking. In the composition of such carrots there is a large amount of carotene, which is very useful for the human body.

Among late varieties high level the following are distinguished by their state of preservation: “Moscow winter” and “cardinal”. They can be successfully stored until the end of April - beginning of May, without worrying about losing any useful properties root crops.

The main advantages of a vegetable

Carrots are rightfully considered an invaluable storehouse of nutrients. It contains many different vitamins and mineral salts, as well as carotene, essential oils and many other substances. This root crop is successfully used to get rid of beriberi, anemia, tuberculosis, colds, gastritis and many other health problems. In general, carrots can increase the body's resistance to various immune diseases, increase the physical and mental activity of a person. In addition, carrots are widely used in cosmetology as a highly effective anti-aging agent.

Therefore, it is important to eat this root crop throughout the year, especially in those seasons when there is a decrease in the body's immune defenses and a lack of vitamins. To do this, it is important to know the basic ways of how to store carrots and organize optimal conditions for the specified vegetable.