How to Store Carrots in Sawdust

Store carrots promptly after harvest.

Like most root vegetables, carrots store well for a long period of time. These vegetables require some moisture during storage or they become rubbery and less flavorful. A sawdust storage system keeps the humidity around the carrots high so they retain their texture. Select firm, fully mature carrots for long-term storage. Avoid those that have become dry or that show signs of spoilage, such as spots or discoloration. Store the carrots soon after purchase or harvest to ensure the longest storage time possible.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Bucket
• Sawdust

Instructions

1. Cut the tops of the carrots, leaving ½ inch of the foliage attached. Don't wash the carrots prior to storage, as the moisture on the carrots can cause them to spoil more quickly.

2. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with a 3-inch layer of barely moistened sawdust. Lay a single layer of carrots on top the sawdust.

3. Cover the layer of carrots with sawdust until they are completely covered. Add a second layer of carrots. Continue layering the carrots and sawdust until the bucket is filled.

4. Store the bucket in a cool 32 to 40 degree Fahrenheit location, such as in a basement storage area. Check the moisture in the sawdust and remoisten it if it begins to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Store carrots for up to four months in the sawdust. The carrots remain firm and fresh as long as they don't dry out during storage.

• Use damp sand instead of sawdust, if desired.

References

• University of Missouri Extension; Root and Bulb Crops; December 2010
• Clemson University Extension; Storing Carrots; J. G. Hunter; September 2005