We always have a bunch of carrots in the fridge. Years ago, it was mostly because I wanted snacks for my horse. Now we keep them for soups, snacks, and stews—and an occasional treat for my dog!
When I’m ready to use carrots, I usually peel them and then rinse them when I’m done. A friend said she doesn’t wash them before or after peeling because she figures once the peel is gone, they aren’t dirty or germy anymore.
“You should wash carrots even if you are going to peel them as the peeler or knife will touch the outer surface and potentially contaminate the surface you will eat,” says Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, MS, RDN, CDCES, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
“It is important to wash carrots to get rid of dirt, debris, insects, pesticide residues, bacteria, or any other harmful microorganisms,” she says. “To reduce the risk of becoming infected with conditions such as norovirus (foodborne illness), the CDC recommends washing all produce under running water.”
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How To Wash Carrots the Right Way
The best way to clean carrots is to peel them while rinsing them under cold, running water. Check them for any cracks and bruises and cut those parts away. Rinse your peeler between carrots so no bacteria spreads from carrot to carrot.
There’s no need to use soaps, detergents, or commercial produce washes, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They have not been approved for use on food and could potentially make you sick if you end up ingesting some.
If you want a deeper wash than a rinse under the faucet, you can soak carrots in a mix of baking soda and water. Use one teaspoon of baking soda for every two cups of cold water. Or you can use one part white vinegar to three parts cold water.
“Baking soda or vinegar may potentially be a way to clean produce and reduce the amount of pesticides,” says Anderson-Haynes. “But there is limited research on its effectiveness and any change in nutrient composition in carrots.”
If you opt for a vinegar or baking soda soak, be sure to rinse well so it doesn’t impact the carrots’ taste.
How To Store Carrots
Don’t wash your carrots until you’re ready to use them. Instead, store them unpeeled in the crisper drawer. Wrap them in a paper towel and store them in a bag or container to help keep out moisture.
If you wash them right when you bring them home, any lingering moisture can cause them to go bad more quickly. If you prefer washing them immediately, dry them well with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel before storing them.
Don’t use carrots if they look questionable. “When carrots are slimy, soft, discolored, or they have an odor and start to split open, then they are likely past their prime,” Anderson-Haynes says. “When in doubt, throw it out!”
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