How to Tell If Carrots Are Bad

Signs Carrots have gone bad

1. Slimy surface. A slick, slippery coating, especially on baby carrots, means bacteria are growing. Discard it, and rinsing won’t fix this.
2. Soft, mushy spots. A carrot that’s limp in a sloppy way, or squishy at the tip or crown, is rotting. If the carrot is otherwise firm, trim off an inch around the soft spot.
3. Black or dark brown patches. Dark, sunken, or watery patches indicate rot. Small dry dark spots can be peeled off, but wet black areas call for tossing.
4. Fuzzy white or gray mold. Mold on a firm whole carrot can be cut out with an inch of margin, but on baby carrots, cut carrots, or soft ones, throw them all out.
5. Sour or off smell. Fresh carrots smell sweet and earthy. A sour or musty odor means they’re spoiled.
6. Hollow, bitter, or woody core with a bad taste. If a carrot tastes sour or bitter beyond normal, or the core is dark and decayed, discard it.

Looks weird, but it's fine

• White, chalky film on the surface. Called white blush, it’s just dehydration of the skin. Rinse or peel it and eat as usual, or soak in cold water for a bit.
• Rubbery or bendy. A carrot that bends instead of snapping is dried out, not spoiled. Soak it in ice water or cook it.
• Green tops or shoulders. Green at the crown can taste bitter. Trim it off, and the rest is fine.

How long do Carrots last?

How to store them

• Cut off the leafy tops, which pull moisture out, and store carrots in a sealed bag or container in the crisper.
• Keep baby carrots dry, since slime shows up fast when they sit in water. A dry paper towel in the bag helps.
• To refresh limp carrots, store them submerged in cold water in the fridge and change the water every few days.

Use it up before it turns

ABC Kitchen Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad Bob Evans Glazed Carrots Nothing Bundt Cakes Carrot (The Famous Recipe, Made at Home) Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Frequently asked questions

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