What The White Stuff On Baby Carrots Really Is
Baby carrots are a popular, convenient snack, but you may have noticed a whitish coating that sometimes appears on them and which might make you wonder if they're still fresh. This thin layer of white stuff is often called "carrot blush," and thankfully, it's completely harmless. It simply results from the natural drying process and damaged skin cells, and it doesn't mean the carrots have gone bad.
The white coating on baby carrots forms when the vegetable's surface dries out after being cut and peeled into its tiny baby carrot shape. Yep, one carrot myth will have you believe that they're grown that way, but baby carrots are made. When full-sized carrots are prepped into baby form, their protective outer layer is removed, exposing them to air. Without that layer, moisture is lost more quickly, creating tiny cracks on the surface and leading to a white, chalky look. It's similar to what happens when freshly cut apples start browning — only, with carrots, the effect is less oxidation and more moisture loss.
Carrot blush is nothing to worry about
You can easily remedy the white blush by rinsing the carrots in water, temporarily restoring their bright orange color. As for the best way to store baby carrots and avoid that drying effect? Store baby carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Adding a damp paper towel to the container can help retain moisture. If you've purchased them in a resealable bag, leaving them in their original packaging can also work well since it helps lock in moisture, so long as you close the bag tightly after each use.
If you end up with white-blushed carrots, you can still use them in recipes where texture isn't critical. They work beautifully in soups, stews, or stir-fries, where the flavor comes through and the moisture levels balance out during cooking. Even your chili recipe can benefit from the sweetness of carrots. Carrots are super healthy in smoothies, too. Cook them first, then cool them for a creamier texture before making your smoothie. Or, if you prefer eating baby carrots raw, simply soak them in cold water for a few minutes before enjoying them.