Can you eat sprouted carrots? Here’s what experts say

Learn what sprouting really means, and how to use carrots that are past their prime.

We’ve all had potatoes start to sprout now and again, but what about carrots? If you notice some small white sprouts or hair-like growths forming on your carrots, it can be a little alarming at first glance.

The good news is that sprouting is a natural process, and it doesn’t automatically mean your carrots have gone bad. In most cases, they’re still perfectly usable, as long as they aren’t showing additional signs of spoilage. Here’s why carrots start to sprout in the first place, and how to prep them for cooking once you determine that they’re safe to use.

Why Carrots Start To Sprout

Carrots sprout when they’re attempting to regrow—usually after being stored for an extended period of time. Carrots naturally store energy in their roots, so they’re able to regrow later on. When the conditions are right—with a little added moisture, light exposure, or warmer temperatures—the carrot starts redirecting that stored energy into new growth.

While it might look like those little white roots, fuzzy hairs, or small green tops are a sign of spoilage, it’s actually just the carrot doing what it’s designed to do.

Are Sprouted Carrots Safe To Eat?

Unlike potatoes, which can develop harmful compounds when sprouting, carrots don’t pose the same risk. Sprouting simply means the carrot is using up its stored sugars to fuel new growth. In general, sprouted carrots are safe to eat.

That being said, sprouting is a sign that the carrot may be past its peak. You might notice changes in flavor and texture—the carrot might be less sweet, and more rubbery or limp overall.

When You Should Throw Sprouted Carrots Away

While sprouting alone isn’t a reason to toss your carrots out, there are other signs that signal it may be time to discard them. This includes:

• Slimy texture
• Off smell
• Dark, mushy areas
• Visible mold

If you notice any of these, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard them.

How To Prepare Sprouted Carrots For Cooking

If your carrots are only sprouted but otherwise in good shape, you can prep and cook with them as usual following these steps:

1. Trim: Use a paring knife to cut away any hairs, green tops, or sprouts that have started to grow.
2. Peel: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer of the carrots.
3. Cut: Cut as desired, removing any areas that feel soft or limp if needed.

Once your carrots are prepped, you can use them in cooked dishes where their slightly softened texture won’t be a deal-breaker. These include veggie soups, purees, sauces, stir-fries, or roasted veggie mixes. Cooking will help bring back some of their natural sweetness.

Crisp Them Up

If your carrots are only slightly limp and you want to crisp them up a bit, pop them into a bowl of ice water for 10 to 15 minutes before using.

How To Store Carrots To Delay Sprouting

To keep carrots fresh for longer, the right storage is key. Store them in the refrigerator in a partially sealed bag to help control moisture. The crisper drawer is best for this, since it’s designed to maintain the right humidity level for produce. If they came with green tops, remove before storing to prevent moisture loss (the tops will pull moisture from the root, causing the carrots to dry out faster).

When stored properly, fresh carrots should last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Read the original article on Southern Living