Carrot storage in the cellar in winter

The benefits of carrots have been proven for a long time: it is a source of vitamins and beneficial components, and also has a beneficial effect on the intestines and eyesight. In addition, this vegetable is delicious, it is used for cooking many dishes. In summer and autumn, getting a product is not difficult, but in order to enjoy it in the winter, you need to make supplies. At first glance, the easiest way is to store carrots in the cellar. But you need to know the basic subtleties, so that the vegetable does not lose flavor and benefit.

For better storage of carrots, it is worth choosing late varieties that have a long ripening period.

How to harvest?

Whatever the conditions for storing carrots in the cellar, the proper harvesting of vegetables is of no small importance. If the root crops are damaged, the shelf life of the significance will decrease due to rotting. Dig up carrots can be in September, but it is better to wait for the first frost. Then the vegetable will remain sweet and will lie much longer.

One week before the harvest is planned, you need to water the carrots abundantly. Then it will become juicy and sweet. In five days it is necessary to weed the beds and cut off the tops, this will help to keep the moisture that is needed by the root crop.

In order not to damage the root crop, it is more expedient to use blunt forks to harvest. Dug carrots must be cleaned from the ground and dry a little. The plant is cut almost completely, it is enough to leave a few centimeters. Damaged vegetables should not be stored, because they can provoke rotting of other root crops. They are best used for food immediately after collection.

Preparation of the cellar

The storage period depends on the state of the cellar. Ideal temperature values should be within 1-3 degrees of heat. Sharp temperature changes can cause the process of decay.

Before putting the crop in the basement, the room must be disinfected and ventilated. Ways of storing carrots in the cellar can be different, but there is one general rule: vegetables should not touch each other, they need to be isolated as much as possible.

"Quarantine" period

To identify spoiled root vegetables, it is necessary to hold them in a room where the temperature values are in the range of 13-15 degrees of heat, not less than two weeks. This period is called quarantine. That carrot, which is not of the best quality, must be processed and used for food.

Boxes with sand

Storage of carrots in the cellar can be carried out using boxes of sand. He poured into the bottom, and then stacked a number of root crops. After this, it is necessary to fill the vegetables with sand and lay the next row. Such actions must be continued until the box is completely filled. The top layer of sand should be approximately 1-2 cm thick. If necessary, it can be moistened. Check the degree of humidity is simple: sand should be squeezed in the hand. In this case, it should not crumble, but excessive moisture is also not needed. Keeping carrots in a cellar in the sand is the most common method.

"Cover" made of clay

This method is laborious, but it provides long-term storage of vegetables. A solution of clay and water should have a consistency of sour cream. They need to coat each carrot and wait for the "cover" to dry completely. After that, roots can be laid in open boxes or special baskets. It is important to ensure that vegetables do not have unprotected areas, since they will start to deteriorate.

Storage in polyethylene

Carrot storage in the winter in the cellar in plastic bags implies that the thickness of the carrots should be approximately 100-150 mk. In each will be placed about 25 kg of vegetables. In order not to form a condensate inside the polyethylene, several holes must be made from below. Carrots are mixed with sand, but do not tie the bag tightly.

If the cellar is equipped with shelving, you can lay carrots in one layer, but in this case it will dry quickly. To avoid this, you will have to install containers of water that need to be changed periodically.

Storage in sawdust

Harvest will be stored longer if you pick boxes correctly. Their capacity should not be more than 20 kg. Well, if the boxes are tight, without cracks and with a lid. Stand, where they will be located, you need to install in such a way that the distance to it from the floor and from the walls was 15-20 cm at the bottom it is necessary to pour coniferous sawdust and lay root crops. Layers alternate until the box is completely filled. Due to the fact that the coniferous sawdust contains a large number of essential oils, vegetables will not rot and deteriorate.

"Bed" made of paper

Carrots storage in the winter in the cellar can be quite long, if you use paper or newspapers. But this method is suitable only if the room is not very wet. After touching the roots, they need to be put in boxes so that they do not touch, and shift them with old newspapers or other paper.

Cold storage

For convenience, a small amount of vegetables can be stored directly in the refrigerator, so as not to run every time to the cellar. Carrots need to be sorted and checked so that there is no damage, and then folded into polyethylene. Vegetables should be regularly reviewed in order to remove the spoiled or decayed product in a timely manner.

Storage in canvas bags

Often used for these purposes linen bags. Storage of carrots in the cellar in this way is suitable in the event that there are no rodents in the room, otherwise the crop may suffer. The capacity of the bags should be about 50 kg. After the carrots are poured, the bag should be placed vertically and in no case tied.

Storage in the apartment

If there is no cellar or you can not keep carrots for some reason, you can store carrots on the balcony or on the loggia. Naturally, they should be glazed, so that there was no negative temperature. If the carrot freezes, it can be thrown away.

Storage rooms are suitable as an alternative. Folding carrots in plastic bags, you need to put them in a dark room. Do not forget that the carrot should "breathe".

To store carrots in the cellar or in the apartment was long, the roots can not be washed or wiped with a damp sponge, as they begin to rot.