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!
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!
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
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.
STEP 3. Blanch!
Blanch the Carrots in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes.
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
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.
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
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!
Nutrition
***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?
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!