Carrots are one of the longest-lasting vegetables in your kitchen, but only if you store them correctly. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin K, and potassium, and proper storage preserves those nutrients for the full shelf life. The two things that shorten carrot shelf life most are leaving the green tops on and washing before storing. Do either of those and carrots that could last a month will go limp in a week.
How do you store carrots so they last as long as possible?
The short answer: Remove the green tops immediately, do not wash before storing, and keep whole carrots in the crisper drawer in a loosely sealed bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel. Stored this way, whole carrots last 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. Submerged in cold water in a sealed container and refrigerated, they can last up to a month. Cut carrots last 1 to 2 weeks; baby carrots last 3 to 4 weeks in their original bag.
For a complete reference on storing over 100 foods, see our Food Storage Guide.
Quick Start: Do These 2 Things Right Away
Cut off the green tops. They pull moisture from the root and cause carrots to go limp within days.
Do not wash. Washing removes the carrot’s natural waxy outer layer. Store dry and wash right before eating or cooking.
Key Takeaways
Remove green tops immediately. They actively draw moisture out of the root and will cause limpness within 2 to 3 days if left on.
Do not wash carrots before storing. Washing breaks down the outer waxy layer that protects them. Wash right before using.
Whole carrots last 3 to 4 weeks in the crisper. Submerged in cold water, up to a month.
Cut carrots last 1 to 2 weeks refrigerated. Store them submerged in cold water and change the water every 2 to 3 days to keep them snack-ready.
Limp carrots are dehydrated, not spoiled. An ice water bath restores their crunch in 15 minutes to 1 hour.
White blush on baby carrots is dehydration, not mold. It is safe to eat.
Slime means bacterial growth. Slimy carrots should be discarded, not cooked through.
How Long Do Carrots Last?
Whole carrots last 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator and up to a month submerged in cold water. Cut carrots last 1 to 2 weeks. Baby carrots last 3 to 4 weeks in their sealed bag. Cooked carrots last 3 to 5 days.
Carrot shelf life varies significantly depending on how they are prepared and stored. Whole, unpeeled carrots with their protective outer skin intact last dramatically longer than cut or peeled ones.
Carrot Type
Counter
Fridge (standard)
Fridge (submerged in water)
Frozen (blanched)
Whole, unpeeled
3 to 5 days
3 to 4 weeks
Up to 1 month
Up to 12 months
Cut or sliced
Not recommended
1 to 2 weeks
2 to 3 weeks
Up to 12 months
Shredded or grated
Not recommended
3 to 5 days
Not applicable
Up to 12 months
Baby carrots
1 to 2 days
3 to 4 weeks
3 to 4 weeks
Up to 12 months
Cooked carrots
2 hours max
3 to 5 days
Not applicable
Up to 12 months
How to Store Whole Carrots
Whole, unpeeled carrots are storage
