Carrots are a popular vegetable because they are uncomplicated, versatile and easy to store. But what to do if carrots get black spots? Can you still eat the carrots?
In a nutshell
- black spots are the first sign of mold growth
- infected carrots are still edible
- Simply peel or cut away stains
- Discard carrots if mold is visible
- Store fresh carrots in a cool, dark and dry place
Table of Contents
- Causes of Black Spots
- Mottled carrots are edible
- Prevent black spots
- frequently asked Questions
Causes of Black Spots
Black spots are a first sign of mold growth on carrots: the vegetables form first black or brown patches that may darken and grow larger over time, and may become furry. They are an indication that these carrots are a bit older and no longer fresh. You should not store them any longer so that the mold formation does not spread to other stored vegetables.
Tip: When you buy carrots in the supermarket, look out for these signs of freshness: no dark discoloration, firm and hardly flexible, no cracked or wrinkled surface.
Mottled carrots are edible
As long as the black spots are fairly new and not furry - i.e. mold has not yet formed - you can actually eat the carrots without any risk to your health. Peel the vegetables and carefully and generously cut away the darkened areas. Provided
- the black spots have already spread a lot
- or even furry
- Mold clearly visible
- the vegetables are no longer firm and crunchy
however, it is better to dispose of the affected carrots. They take on a bitter, unpleasant taste in this state.
Prevent black spots
In most cases, the black spots are caused by improper storage or storage for too long. The best way to prevent mold growth is to take these steps:
- Wash carrots just before use
- Remove purchased carrots from packaging (especially plastic).
- cut off the green of bunched carrots
- store in a cool and dark place, e.g. B. in a cool basement
- do not store next to apples or tomatoes
Tip: If you store them in the vegetable compartment, you should wrap the vegetables in a damp cloth so that they do not dry out. Also, consume it within a few days or, if that's not possible, freeze it.
frequently asked Questions
Fresh carrots can be kept in a cool, dark place for up to ten days, for example in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. However, it is important that you do not wash them first! You can even store the vegetables for up to 14 days in the cool cellar. Ready to cook – washed and cut into pieces – carrots can also be frozen and will keep for up to nine months. Previous blanching is not necessary.
Unlike other vegetables such as potatoes or tomatoes, carrots do not develop toxins. Thus, even if black spots have already formed, they do not become poisonous. Only the aroma suffers from the lack of freshness, overlaid vegetables taste more bitter and less aromatic. However, there is no risk of food poisoning if you eat carrots that are less than attractive.
Green spots on potatoes contain a lot of solanine and should therefore be cut away before eating. This is not the case with carrots as they do not develop any toxins. Green spots on carrots can therefore be eaten without any problems and without danger to life and limb. However, they do not taste particularly good (because they are unripe) and should therefore be removed.
