A food content creator has unveiled a remarkably effective technique for keeping leftover raw carrots fresh, following an experiment for a Channel 5 television programme.
Gavin Wren, appearing on Fresh vs Frozen: Which Is Better?, put three common storage methods to the test over a 10-day period to find the best way to prevent vegetables from going off in the fridge.
The Three Carrot Storage Methods Tested
For his trial, which aired on 27 December 2025, Gavin prepared three separate batches of uncooked carrots. The first was placed in an uncovered container. The second went into a sealed container with a sheet of kitchen roll to manage moisture. The third, and ultimately most successful, method involved submerging the carrots in a container of water, left uncovered, and placing it in the refrigerator.
After 10 days, the results were strikingly different. The carrots stored exposed to air had deteriorated significantly.
"They've gone very pale, they've got very dry skin - it's a nightmare to peel," Gavin observed, noting they had also become bendy and lost their firmness.
The Winning Technique: Submerged in Water
The carrots stored with kitchen roll in a sealed container fared much better, retaining a good colour and firmness akin to freshly bought supermarket produce. However, the clear winner was the batch stored in water.
Gavin declared these carrots looked "fantastic" and maintained the strongest colour. "That is so solid, that is the freshest one so far," he said. "That's been in there for 10 days already and it feels as fresh as the day I bought it." The carrot snapped with a satisfying crack, demonstrating its retained freshness.
The science behind this method is simple: the water creates a barrier that limits the carrots' exposure to oxygen, which is a key factor in the ageing and rotting process.
How to Replicate the Best Method at Home
To successfully use this technique at home, the programme offered some key tips. First, cut off the green tops to prevent regrowth. Then, place the carrots in a container, cover them with cold water, and store them in the fridge.
It is crucial to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and to never drink the storage water. According to Good Food magazine, when stored this way, carrots can remain fresh for up to three months.
Regardless of your chosen storage method, it is also wise to keep carrots away from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables. Common examples include:
- Apples
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
Ethylene gas can accelerate ripening and lead to quicker spoilage. Fresh vs Frozen: Which Is Better? is available to watch on Channel 5.
