STORAGE TEMPERATURE OF CARROTS IN WINTER: IS IT POSSIBLE TO FREEZE A VEGETABLE, ESPECIALLY THE STRUCTURE OF THE ROOT, AS WELL AS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VARIETIES

Carrot is a vegetable crop that is one of the few suitable for long-term storage. To do this, you can apply various methods, the choice of which is determined from the personal wishes of the summer resident, the available premises and the variety of root crops.

In addition, it is important to create full-fledged conditions for the preservation of the presentation of carrots, among which the correct temperature regime is important. Let's talk about this in more detail in our article. Also watch the informative video on this topic.

Peculiarities of vegetable structure

Carrots are a variety of crops that can be used for fresh sale, for storage and processing. Due to this, carrots can be attributed to the universal root. Late varieties and hybrids of carrots are recommended for storage.. It is important that they meet the following requirements:

the correct form of vegetables;
high yield;
storage capacity.

ATTENTION: Since table carrots have low keeping quality, part of the harvest may be lost. But it is enough to observe the correct temperature and humidity to extend the shelf life up to 4-8 months.

Varieties subject to long-term storage

To store carrots is not recommended to choose early varieties. Although this rule does not always work, the keeping quality of the crop depends not only on the variety, but also on the storage conditions, proper preparation and timely collection. For example, if the summer is not long, then late-maturing varieties do not have time to accumulate the required amount of sugar and fiber, therefore, their keeping quality is low.

For long-term storage it is recommended to use the following varieties:

Moscow winter. This is a high-yielding mid-season variety with a keeping quality of 12 months.
Shantane. This variety allows you to grow sweet roots, with a pronounced aroma. It is mid-season, can be stored for up to 10 months.
Nantes. This carrot early ripening. Root crops can be stored for 7-10 months.

Is it possible?

Carrot is a vegetable that is great for storing in winter. There are no specific recommendations as to which storage method is preferred. For example, if high-quality carrots, no damage on root crops, then for it you can choose the following storage methods in the cellar or warm basement:

in sawdust;
in sand;
in clay;
in plastic bags;
in bags;
onion peel;
in the moss;
in the ground.

If after rejection of the crop remains damaged roots. To store them, you can use the following methods:

drying;
freezing;
drying;
canning.

IMPORTANT: Each of these methods allows you to store ready-to-eat vegetables for a long time. In this case, all the nutritional qualities of carrots are preserved, although this requires large labor costs and the availability of additional space in the apartment.

In addition, there are a number of requirements, under which there is an opportunity to extend the storage of fresh carrots until next spring:

selection of varieties of root vegetables;
technology training;
temperature conditions;
moisture mode;
lack of excess oxygen;
pest fencing.

Important remains and compliance with the moisture regime in the storage areas of carrots. It should be equal to 90-95%. If these figures are low, then this will lead to wilting of root crops, and at higher ones - to decay.

We recommend to get acquainted with other ways of storing carrots at home and in the garden:

How to save if there is no cellar?
On the bed.
In banks and in boxes.
On the balcony.
In a refrigerator.
Storage methods and conservation technologies.
In the cellar.
Is it possible to freeze grated?

It is equally important to know how to prune carrots for winter storage.

Watch the video on how to store carrots in the winter:

The importance of correct degrees

When storing the crop, it is important to maintain an appropriate temperature. If the temperature is above 5 degrees Celsius, this will allow the growth of kidneys that have not been removed. If the temperature is below 0 degrees, then the metabolism of root crops, accompanied by a number of biochemical processes, will slow down about 10 times.

Root storage mode

The storage mode of root crops in vegetable stores is divided into 4 periods, each of which is characterized by its own temperature:

Medical The period lasts 8-12 days and begins immediately after harvesting vegetables in storage. It takes place at the temperature regime that has developed at the time of harvesting at 10-14 degrees and humidity around 90-95%. At this time, the free access of oxygen to vegetables is important. The bottom line is that the carrots could drag on mechanical damage received during harvesting.
Cooling. After the end of the treatment period, the vegetables should be cooled to the temperature of the main storage period. Duration of cooling will be 10-15 days. The cooling rate of root crops is 0.5-1 degrees per day. The method of gradual cooling of vegetables is used on an industrial scale. Under cellar conditions this is possible with the help of active ventilation.
Main. This is actually the storage of vegetables until spring. Duration is 6-7 months. Temperature control is maintained in the region of 0-1 degrees at a humidity of 90-95%.
Spring. In the spring, carrots are stored until they are sold or consumed. If possible, the temperature should remain as in the main period 0-1 degrees Celsius. If it is impossible to maintain it at this level, the carrots are overloaded into the refrigerator.

Ways

The main indicators of the mode of preservation of the crop - temperature and relative humidity. It is necessary to control all indicators throughout the storage time. In autumn and winter, temperature indicators should be determined every day, and in winter, 1-2 times a week. All data is recorded in a special log. Thermometers, thermocouples and thermographs are used to measure cellar temperature.

To create optimal temperature conditions for excellent keeping quality of carrots, it is necessary to observe the following recommendations:

store harvest from wooden vegetable or plastic boxes;
do not place the container on the floor of the basement or garage, but use for this purpose high shelves 10-20 cm from the floor;
selected storage rooms should not freeze through;
if the temperature has greatly decreased, then install heaters.

Conclusion

Storing carrots is not an easy and painstaking process.. It is not enough to prepare and fold the carrots in a container. It is necessary throughout the entire period of preservation to monitor the temperature regime. If everything is allowed to drift, the roots will begin to deteriorate and will not be able to preserve the presentation until spring.