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How To Freeze Carrots

Freezing Carrots is the PERFECT way to preserve the nutrient packed veggie for later use! You’ll have Carrots for all kinds of recipes when you know how to freeze Carrots! 

Blue bowl of carrots on green napkin with fork

 

You already know how to cook frozen Carrots, we’ve talked about blanching veggies, and you have some recipes for using Carrots! So, today we learn this technique! 

Why This Recipe Works

  • FAST
  • EASY
  • You Have Everything You Need In Your Kitchen Right Now!

a photo of grated carrots, cutting board and box grater

Here’s How It’s Done….

STEP 1. Boil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the cooking process and gather your other supplies

A saucepan on a cooktop with steam rising and bubbles from bottom

 

STEP 2. Cut Up

Peel carrots and Cut the Carrots into bite size pieces (coins, squares, strips or any usable size). If using baby carrots, then just leave them the size they are. 

Carrots cut into pieces on cutting board

STEP 3. Blanch!

Blanch the Carrots in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes. 

Add your butter, maple syrup and honey!

 

STEP 4. Shock!

Plunge the Carrots into ice water to stop the cooking   Drain the Carrots. Pack into resealable plastic bags, squeeze out as much air as possible. Spread back out into the bag and stack for freezing

half gallon of milk in the freezer

How to Freeze Carrot

To freeze Carrots, blanch the Carrots in salted water, shock in ice water and then pack into freezer safe bags labeled for the freezer. 

The Easy Way to Blanch and Freeze Carrots

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Do I Need to Blanch Carrots Before Freezing? 

Yes, you DO need to blanch Carrots before freezing. Blanching preserves the texture, vegetables and flavor for freezing.

How Do I Blanch Them? 

To blanch your veggies before,  simply follow the process that is outlined in the recipe card below or in the photos above!

Can I Freeze Fresh Carrots Without Blanching? 

You CAN freeze the Carrots without blanching, however, the ice crystals that develop during freezing will change the cell structure and your Carrots will be very mushy. It is much better to blanch before .

What Happens If I DON’T Blanch the Carrots Before Freezing? 

If you do not blanch the veggies will be more mushy, less colorful and have less nutrients available. Texture is an important part of this veggie and you will want to preserve as much of the fresh texture as possible. 

How Do I Freeze Fresh Carrots? 

To freeze carrots, blanch first and then dry well. Lay out onto baking sheets and place into the freezer for 2 hours. Bag into labeled ziplock type bags for easy use. 

Can I Do An Entire Bunch ? 

You CAN do an entire bunch, however, you will need to blanch it and then cover it well. Because of the way it takes up space, you will probably want to cut the veggies into pieces first.

So, as you can see, it’s best to break the carrots down into usable bites FIRST and then blanch like you want to have them when you use them.

Can I Freeze Roasted Carrots? 

Yes, once your Carrots has been cooked, you can freeze it. HOWEVER, the texture will be much different when you thaw it. It’s best to roast fresh Carrots and then consume what you roast. 

blue bowl of carrots with fork, green napkin and cutting board

Hello frozen Carrots!

Tips and Tricks. 

  • Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project. You don’t want to have boiling water bubbling away and not have everything else you need. 
  • Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the Carrots in. That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it. 
  • Only put a few pieces of Carrots into the boiling water at first. You don’t’ want to reduce the simmer with the Carrots you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time. 
  • Remove the iced Carrots to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the it as dry as possible before packing into bags.
  • Remove as much air by Squeezing it from the freezer bag as you can before you seal it. Using a vacuumed sealed system is perfect too!
  • Label the bag BEFORE you put it in. It’s much easier to write on an empty bag! 
  • And HERE is more information that you probably ever wanted to know about Carrots
  • Need a great carrot recipe? Try this carrot salad!

PRO TIP:  If you use carrots in many recipes, put your frozen pieces into a resealable plastic bag and place in the freezer. You will then be able to use just the amount of carrots you need, reseal it and have it for next time. 

Hey, Ya’ll, Help Me Out, OK? 

Leave me a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below. This helps other people to find recipes on Loaves and Dishes! 

How to Freeze Carrots

Freezing Carrots is the PERFECT way to preserve the nutrient packed veggie for later use!  You’ll have carrots for all kinds of recipes when you know how to freeze carrots! 
5 from 5 votes
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Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: freezing carrots, how to freeze carrots
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
ice bath time, drying and packing: 10 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 15kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tbs kosher salt
  • 1 lb carrots

Instructions

  • Put a large stock pot of 4 quarts of water on to boil over high heat on the stove top. Add salt to the water
  • While waiting for the water to heat, gather your other supplies. Place a large bowl in the sink with 1 Quart of water in it. Do not add the ice until just before adding carrots to the boiling water.
  • When water comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium so that water is at a hard simmer.
  • Add ice to the bowl of water in the sink.
  • Add your carrots to the boiling water quickly using tongs or other tool. Only add a few pieces to the water at a time so that the water does not lose its boil
  • Allow the vegetables to stay in the water just long enough to begin to change colors. You'll notice the color brightens.
  • Remove the carrots and plunge immediately into the ice water bath. Allow to soak there for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the vegetables to a paper towel lined tray to dry.
  • Use the paper towel to squeeze the carrots gently and remove as much water as possible. Then lay the carrots out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not allow the pieces to touch each other. Freeze for 2-6 hours.
  • Once frozen, measure quantities into resealable plastic bag. Squeeze as much air as possible from the bag and seal. Label the bag and place into the freezer.

Notes

  • Gather all of your tools, pots and pans and other equipment before starting this project.  You don’t want to have boiling water bubbling away and not have everything else you need. 
  • Put water in a large bowl in the sink but don’t add the ice until you are just ready to plunge the carrots in.  That way your ice won’t all melt before you need it. 
  • Only put a few pieces of carrots into the boiling water at first.  You don't’ want to reduce the simmer with the carrots you put in. Things will go more quickly if you do fewer pieces at a time. 
  • Remove the iced carrots to a colander or a towel lined baking sheet to drain. You will want the broccoli as dry as possible before packing into the freezer bags.
  • Squeeze as much air from the freezer bag as you can before you seal it.  
  • Label the freezer bag BEFORE you put the broccoli in.  It's much easier to write on an empty bag! 
PRO TIP:  After you have squeezed the air out and sealed the bag, then spread the broccoli back out in the bag so that it will lay flat in the freezer. This allows it to freeze evenly and is best for space saving in your freezer!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Freeze Carrots
Amount Per Serving
Calories 15 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 1410mg59%
Potassium 143mg4%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 283IU6%
Vitamin C 40mg48%
Calcium 21mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

***This post first appeared on the Pages of Loaves and Dishes on October 25, 2019 and has been updated with new information, info for step by steps, equipment and recipe updates***

A VERSE TO SHARE

A thing happened at the end of this past weekend. I’m having a hard time forgiving for it because I feel that the other person has lied to me multiple times for YEARS. I’m really struggling with it. Maybe this will help you and me? Do you ever struggle with this?

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.

 

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Diane Baker

Tuesday 1st of March 2022

You have a recipe which shows instructions for carrots but in the directions it shows broccoli.

Wendi Spraker

Monday 7th of March 2022

Hi Diane, I can't find where the broccoli you are speaking of is?

Fernande Leblanc

Tuesday 24th of August 2021

Thank you for a great advice

Liz

Sunday 20th of December 2020

Any tips on cooking carrots after freezing? Should you defrost before cooking, or cook straight from frozen?

Wendi Spraker

Monday 21st of December 2020

Hi Liz, I use my frozen carrots in soups and stews mostly. I have used them in stir fry as well. I don't generally use them as a straight up carrots dish because I'm not a huge fan of the change in texture after they are thawed. I put them directly into what I'm cooking from frozen.

Beverly Jackson

Sunday 22nd of November 2020

Great information on freezing carrots. Right to the point. I didn’t have to go through your life story to get what I was looking for!

Wendi Spraker

Sunday 22nd of November 2020

I try to just give information that people can use. If the article ends up being long, its because there is a lot of information to convey. Glad you found what you needed.

Barbara Allard

Monday 24th of August 2020

Thank you perfect info given without a bunch of unnessary crap added thank you so much turned out great

Wendi Spraker

Tuesday 25th of August 2020

Hi Barbara, I'm so glad you enjoyed the article and that your carrots turned out perfect!

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