Enjoy the best of this seasonal produce year-round.
Carrots are a kitchen essential – whether roasted until caramelised, added to a hearty stew, or grated into a crisp salad. While they’re available throughout the year, carrots are at their sweetest in cooler months when natural starches turn into sugars. If you’ve stocked up at the local farmers’ market or harvested a generous crop from your own garden, freezing them is one of the easiest ways to enjoy their goodness for months to come.
Freezing carrots doesn’t just save time on busy days, it also locks in flavour, nutrients, and colour. Done the right way, you’ll always have a bag of sweet, ready-to-use carrots waiting in your freezer.
Read more: Tips for boiling carrots
Why blanching matters
The secret to freezing carrots successfully lies in blanching. It’s a quick process of boiling the carrots briefly before plunging them into ice-cold water.
While it may seem like an unnecessary step, blanching stops enzymes from breaking down the vegetable, which would otherwise lead to dull colour, loss of flavour, and limp texture. It also cleans the carrots thoroughly and makes them easier to store.
Step-by-step: Freezing carrots
- Wash and prep: Rinse the carrots well, trim the tops, and peel if needed.
- Slice or leave whole: Small carrots can be frozen as is, while larger ones are best cut into slices, cubes, or sticks. This helps them freeze evenly and makes them easier to use later.
- Blanch and cool: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Blanch small whole carrots for about 5 minutes, or sliced carrots for 2 minutes. Remove and immediately submerge in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
- Dry completely: Excess water leads to ice crystals, so pat the carrots dry before freezing.
- Pre-freeze: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking tray and place them in the freezer for about 1–2 hours until firm.
- Pack and store: Transfer the carrots to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal tightly, and label with the date before returning to the freezer.
How long do frozen carrots last?
Properly frozen carrots can be kept for up to 12 months. For the best flavour and texture, try to use them within 8–10 months. Keeping track of dates will help ensure you rotate your freezer stock and use older bags first.
How to spot freezer burn
Although frozen carrots won’t spoil, they can develop freezer burn if not wrapped properly. This shows up as white, dry patches on the surface. While still safe to eat, they won’t taste as sweet and may feel tough once cooked. Prevent this by sealing bags tightly and removing as much air as possible.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping blanching: Freezing raw carrots may seem faster, but they’ll lose colour, texture, and flavour.
- Freezing large pieces: Whole carrots don’t freeze evenly and can turn mushy once defrosted.
- Not draining properly: Water droplets create ice crystals, which affect texture.
- Overloading your freezer: Adding too much fresh produce at once slows down freezing and impacts quality.
- Poor packaging: Always use freezer-friendly bags or containers and label with the date.
Ready when you are
Frozen carrots are wonderfully versatile. Add them straight into soups, stews, or stir-fries without defrosting, or steam them for an easy side dish. With a little preparation now, you can enjoy the sweet crunch of carrots long after their peak season has passed.
ALSO SEE: THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CARROTS
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