Carrots are among the most popular vegetable crops for growing in their own garden. Juicy, crisp and tasty root vegetable is especially pleasant to eat in winter.
To preserve the beneficial properties of carrots, it is important to choose the right method of storage. Is it possible to store root vegetables in sawdust? We find out all the features of technology.
Brief description of the vegetable
Root crop belongs to the umbrella family. Distinctive feature - dissected (patterned) foliage. Carrots are divided into dining and feed. Breeders deduced more than 60 species of this culture, which are distinguished by the brightness of color, size, ripening period and plentiful tops.
Carrots included in the list of the most useful vegetables. The positive effect of the root on the body is as follows:
- This is a natural source of provitamin A - the daily supply can be replenished by eating only 2 carrots.
- Beta-carotene (the same vitamin A) helps to increase the protective properties of the immune system, has a positive effect on visual function.
- Fiber has a beneficial effect on the regulation of blood glucose levels, helps to reduce fat.
- Potassium helps to improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
- Chlorine normalizes the water-salt balance, and phosphorus strengthens the skeletal system.
REFERENCE! Fresh root vegetable has a low calorie content and is a must-have product for losing weight. Carrots - an indispensable component of diets and proper nutrition. 100 g contains only 40 kcal.
Suitability for long storage
Is it possible to store vegetables all winter in the basement? Save the root until spring is problematic because of the thin and delicate skin, which easily passes bacteria. Another problem is high susceptibility to fungal diseases. To save a carrot, you need to make a lot of effort and take into account several tricks. Details about the possibilities and ways of storing carrots in the basement are described here.
The main requirements for the root when choosing a long-term storage - full maturation, a flat surface without cracks and deformations. It is preferable to select specially bred varieties for winter storage:
Golden autumn;- Monastic;
- Cascade;
- Shantane;
- Flakke.
Golden autumn;If you do not know or have forgotten which variety you have planted, orient yourself by the shape of the carrot. Better preserved root crops of medium size and conical shape.
Before laying in the boxes you need to dry the carrots for 1-2 days. It is forbidden to store fruit with damage due to the high risk of rapid deterioration and rot.
Is it possible to save the root vegetable using wood?
This is a common method that is very popular. Sawdust contains a high percentage of phytoncides, which will not allow the root crop to grow, minimize the possibility of infection by the fungus.
For long-term storage of sufficiently dry sawdust and clean boxes or boxes. These containers should be lowered into the basement, having previously been disinfected. The optimal storage temperature varies from -2 to +2, the humidity of the air is no higher than 95% (whether carrots can be stored in a warm cellar, read here).
Features
It is allowed to store the root vegetable in the boxes, having previously laid down its bottom with sawdust. It is also allowed to pour sawdust on the shelves in the cellar and lay carrots on them, and on top of that, cover with additional sawdust. It is forbidden to store vegetables on the floor or close to the basement walls. (the optimal distance is at least 10 cm).
With the help of sawdust, you can save special varieties of carrots in the ground. For such a technology, experienced summer residents use an integrated approach: fruits are covered with sand, pine sawdust and onion peel to preserve heat in the soil (the storage of carrots in the sand is described here).
Pros and cons of technology
Among the advantages of the method is the beneficial effect of sawdust on the preservation of the root (prolong storage). The material is not moisture permeable, which provides protection against diseases and infections. Sawdust does not stick to the vegetable and is easily separated from it, unlike clay or sand.
Among the shortcomings - the complexity (each new layer must be poured separately), dust from sawdust and the possibility of an allergic reaction to the material.
Preparation: what you need to have and what material to choose?
To create optimal conditions for long-term keeping of the root crop, sawdust, durable boxes and a cool place for laying the container will be useful. The amount of sawdust depends on the volume of the harvested crop. Lay the vegetable is better in wooden containers that hold no more than 18 kg. It is necessary to lower boxes in moderately cold places - basement or garage pit.
It is recommended to take sawdust from coniferous trees for storing the culture. This material contains phytoncides to protect vegetables from bacteria and fungi. Humidity of sawdust should fluctuate in the value of 10-13%. When laying it is important that the material completely envelops each fruit.
detailed instructions
The preliminary stage - the preparation of carrots. To remove the root crop from the beds should be fully ripe before the onset of the first frost. Then you need to sort: fruits with damage, cracks and cuts from a shovel to use first (do not store for a long time). Next you need to cut the tops.
Also, some experienced gardeners recommend washing the root crop, but if the pollution is slight, just shake the ground. Be sure to dry the fruit in the sun and wind. The next stage is the preparation and bookmark in the boxes.
How to store carrots in sawdust:
Choose tare. Ideally, this is a wooden box with a capacity of up to 18 kg, which is tightly closed with a lid.- At the bottom we fall asleep coniferous sawdust. Layer - 2-3 cm.
- Put carrots on top. It is important that the fruits do not touch each other.
- We spread the first layer, from above we cover it with a layer of sawdust (the material must completely hide each vegetable).
- Alternate layers until the box is full.
- Put the container in the cellar, basement or in the pit garage for storage.
Choose tare. Ideally, this is a wooden box with a capacity of up to 18 kg, which is tightly closed with a lid.Possible problems
A complex of factors influences the quality of vegetable storage. Most diseases that violate the integrity and taste of the vegetable, begin to develop more in the garden. To minimize this risk, it is important to choose high-quality seeds, cultivate the soil, monitor the seedlings, feed the vegetables regularly and harvest in a timely manner.
The following diseases can cause carrot damage:
- rot (white, gray, black);
- fomoz;
- pencellosis.
Increases the risk of developing disease water overload in the soil where carrots grew, and high humidity at storage. Sick root vegetables become soft, then become covered with mold and begin to rot. The spoiled fruit should be thrown away, and the neighboring intact ones should be taken out and used first.
Storing carrots in sawdust is a proven way with a minimum of flaws. For long-term aging, it is important to select only healthy fruits without mechanical damage. Carrots should be placed in wooden boxes with a capacity of 15-18 kg. It is necessary to fill up the bottom and root vegetables only coniferous sawdust. Compliance with all the rules will allow you to eat fresh and tasty fruit, even in winter.
