This tutorial on how to freeze carrots can be accomplished in a few hours with the tools that you have on hand.

When it comes to food preservation freezing can be such a valuable skill that can save you time and money. It allows you to become more self-sufficient and provides you with easy meal ingredients right in your freezer.

What is the Best Way to Freeze Fresh Carrots?

The best way to freeze fresh carrots in your garden is to chop, blanche, flash freeze, and store them. I will be going over in detail the best way to freeze carrots fresh from your garden or carrots from the market or grocery store so you can enjoy them all year long.

What You Need to Freeze Carrots

  • Vegetable peeler
  • Water
  • Medium-large bowl
  • Ice
  • Large pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Raw carrots
  • Freezer bags or a vacuum sealer
  • Paper towel or tea towel
  • Slotted spoon

How To Prepare Carrots for Freezing

  1. Start by gathering all of your equipment before you begin. This will make the process less stressful. You don’t want to be frantically searching for a bowl to put your ice in while your carrots are blanching (take it from experience). I like to pull everything out and have it ready on the kitchen table.
  2. Clean, trim, and peel the carrots. Peeling is optional, but as a family, with small kids, I opt to take a thin layer of the peel off. I save the peels and ends by tossing them in a freezer bag to make my veggie scrap bone broth at a later date. It is a great way to use all of your produce and avoid food waste.
  3. Fill a large pot of water halfway over high heat and bring it to a boil.
  4. While the water is coming to a boil, chop the carrots to your desired size and shape with a sharp knife. I like to cut our carrots into medium lengthwise strips (about the size of baby carrots). This way I can use them for a variety of dishes. If I need them smaller, They can be easily cut while they are slightly frozen.

How to Blanche Carrots?

  1. Once you have boiling water in your stockpot, prepare your ice bath by filling a bowl of ice-cold water and ice cubes.
  2. To begin the blanching process, place 2-3 cups of your prepared carrots into the boiling water.
  3. The water will stop boiling once your carrots are dropped in.
  4. The blanching time is 2-3 minutes or until the water begins to boil.
  5. Remove the carrots with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and stop your carrots from getting overcooked.
  6. Remove the blanched carrots from the ice bath and place them on a paper towel, or a clean tea towel.
  7. Repeat until all of the carrots are blanched.

Flash Freeze Carrots

  1. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Space the cooled blanched carrots onto the lined baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring the carrots are not touching one another.
  2. Put the carrots into the freezer on the tray to flash freeze.
  3. Allow the carrots to deep freeze for a least 2-3 hours.

How to Store Frozen Carrots

  1. Once the carrots slices have frozen. Remove the tray from the freezer.
  2. Transfer the carrots to a freezer-safe ziploc bag or vacuum seal.
  3. I like to fill an entire bag of carrots that I would need for one meal. That way I’m not having to worry about keeping the bag out for a long time.
  4. Once you have filled the bags. remove as much air as possible to maintain their shelf life in the freezer.
  5. Label with bags along with the date and put them back in the freezer to enjoy for future use.

Why Do You Have to Blanche Carrots Before Freezing?

Like most vegetables, if frozen raw, the texture, taste, and color can change leading to nutrient loss. Carrots can sometimes turn brown or even black if they are not blanched beforehand. Blanching preserves the nutritional value of the carrots and preserve taste and texture.

How Long Do Carrots Last in The Freezer?

If stored correctly, frozen carrot slices can last up to 6-8 months.

How to Use Frozen Carrots

Frozen carrots are perfect for soups and stews in the winter months. Medium length carrots work well as a roasted seasoned side for chicken, beef, and pork.

Other Freezing Recipes:

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