How To Keep Cut Carrots Fresh

Wondering how to store cut carrots so they stay fresh? Here is my tried-and-true tip for how to keep cut carrots crisp for days. This method makes keeping cut carrots easy for a handy grab-and-go veggie snack.

Carrot sticks are veggie staple for many. Perfect for dunking in your favorite dip or packing in bags for veggies on-the-go, cut carrots are the perfect thing to make during meal prep to help the week be a little easier and veggie-loaded. Simple to do (even for kitchen newbies) and sure to keep your carrots crisp and fresh for days, this method is perfect for reducing your food waste and keeping your fridge stocked for those busy days.

Don’t forget to check out How to store spinach and How to store cabbage for more veggie storage tips!

Table of Contents

1. How to cut carrots: step-by-step
2. How long do cut carrots last in the fridge?
3. Can I store other cut veggies this way?
4. Do the cut carrots have to be stored in jars?
5. Do nutrients from the carrot leach out into the water?
6. I forgot to change the water! Are the carrots okay?

How to store cut carrots

Step 1: Wash and peel your carrots

Since carrots are a root veggie, be sure to clean off any dirt that may be on your carrots. Peeling will help to remove any dirt that is stuck in the grooves of your veggies.

Step 2: Cut carrots

Cut them into sticks, coins, slices….however your enjoy them best!

Step 3: Add cut carrots to air-tight containers and fill containers with water to cover carrots.

I like to use wide-mouth mason jars or old peanut butter jars to store my cut carrots, but any container that you have that is air-tight will work for storage. The important part is to cover the carrots with water to prevent them from drying out.

Step 4: Cover your air-tight containers with lids and place carrots in the fridge.

Store the cut carrot in the fridge for 6-7 days, changing out the water every few days to help them last longer!

How long do cut carrots last in the fridge?

About a week. If you are good about changing out the water every few days, I have had cut carrots last longer!

Can I store other cut veggies this way?

This method works great for cut celery and jicama sticks as well!

Do the cut carrots have to be stored in jars? Or will other containers okay? 

You can use any air-tight container that you have. The important part is making sure the carrot sticks are covered in water to ensure the don’t dry out.

Do nutrients from the carrot leach out into the water?

I’m sure they do a little. But having prepped, crisp veggies handy means that most people are more likely to eat more veggies…and that is the goal.

However, if you want to make sure not to miss out on any of those awesome carrot vitamins, you could repurpose the water your drain off the carrots in smoothies, soups, or simply drink it!

I forgot to change the water! Are the carrots okay?

Give them a sniff. If they don’t smell like they’ve started to ferment and it hasn’t been weeks, they should be fine. If they smell seem off at all, send them to the compost.