We preserve the harvest correctly: how to cut carrots for storage for the winter and why you need it

Often the reason for the rapid damage to root crops in storage, wilting and loss of presentation is a violation of the conditions storage... Sometimes this happens due to non-compliance with the rules for preparing carrots for storage.

In the article we will tell you whether it is necessary to cut the tops of carrots before laying them for the winter and, if so, how to do it correctly.

Why prune carrots before winter storage

Pruning carrots - the procedure for removing tops from a vegetable.

How does cutting the tops before laying for the winter affect the safety of carrots:

• extends the shelf life;
• retains useful elements in the vegetable;
• stops decay processes;
• prevents carrots from drying out;
• stops the growth of the root crop.

Do I have to do it

Should pruning be done if the farmer plans to store the vegetable for only a couple of months? It is imperative to remove the carrot tops! If you leave the green mass, it will soon begin to actively grow, absorb water and useful trace elements from the root crop. To prevent the wilting process and leave the vegetable juicy, the tops are cut off, but they do it in a timely manner and correctly.

Important! You cannot trim the tops while the carrot is growing in the garden. If you do this, the roots will begin to wither or rot.

How to properly prune carrots for winter storage

The pruning procedure is carried out on the day of harvesting the vegetable. Before starting, the carrots are peeled and dried. The shelf life and quality of the root crop depend on compliance with the pruning rules.

Important! In order not to damage the vegetable, it is not recommended to twist and tear off the tops.

Step-by-step instruction

The procedure for trimming the tops of carrots:

1. Dig up the root vegetable.
2. Remove soil and plant residues.
3. If the soil is wet, then wash the vegetable.
4. Dry at a temperature of 15-20 ° C in a ventilated place for several hours.
5. Take a sharp knife and cut off the blunt end of the carrot along with the tops, stepping back 5-8 mm from the edge.
6. Cut off the edge with chalk to prevent decay.
7. After cutting, dry the fresh cut for several hours.
8. Put away in a prepared place.

What other preparation is needed

Preparation for the winter period begins already before sowing. When choosing varieties pay attention to the growing season of the vegetable. Usually, varieties have the best keeping quality with late ripening.

A month before harvesting, when the vegetable has already finished forming, watering is stopped. If this is not done, there is a high probability of infection with putrefactive diseases.

As a preventive measure for diseases, root crops are treated with a solution of potassium permanganate.

Before storage, the basement or cellar is prepared:

• clean, wash;
• ventilate;
• disinfect - with a decoction of tobacco (500 g per 20 liters of water), potassium permanganate, sulfur checkers.

How to store prepared carrots

Carrots are a demanding vegetable for storage conditions. It is susceptible to mechanical damage, poor moisture retention. Root crops wilt quickly and germinate even with a slight increase in temperature in the storage area.

Vegetable storage conditions:

• optimal room temperature: 1-2 ° С;
• high humidity level: not less than 90%;
• good ventilation, but no drafts;

There should be no signs of damage or disease on the carrot.

Difficulties may arise during storage: the vegetable begins to rot, lose its taste - this leads to a loss of weight and presentation. To prevent this from happening, in winter they monitor the vegetable:

• check the humidity level in the room;
• maintain a constant temperature;
• regularly ventilate the room;
• regularly inspect root crops and discard spoiled specimens.

Better ways

After thorough drying and preparation, the roots are sent for storage.

Save methods:

1. In sand. A layer of sand is poured on the bottom of any container, then a layer of carrots is placed, then sand again and so alternate layers until the container is full. In this case, the carrots should not be in contact with each other.
2. In bags... The roots are placed in a bag. Sawdust, pine needles or onion husks are placed on top with a layer of 10 cm - the top layer serves as a moisture regulator in the bag.
3. In wooden boxes. Carrots are placed in a container, completely filling the space. The box must be ventilated. It is not recommended to place it on the floor or close to a wall.
4. In plastic bags. Up to 5 kg of carrots are placed in one bag. Packages are placed on shelves or in any container.
5. In bulk. Roots are laid on a wooden floor in a pyramid up to 2 m high. This storage method requires powerful ventilation in the room.
6. In a refrigerator... Root vegetables are placed in the fruit and vegetable compartment.

Storage periods

The shelf life and subsequent application depend on the cutting height of the tops:

1. The carrot is cut 2 cm above the head. Shelf life is up to three months. These carrots are harvested for seed production.
2. The carrots are cut at a height of 5-8 mm from the head. Shelf life - up to 6 months in winter.
3. The carrot is cut 2-3 cm along with the head. Long term storage of root crops - up to 10-12 months.

The germination rate depends on the cutting height of the vegetable. When the tops are removed deeply, the processes stop, which means that the carrots remain juicy and retain all the useful and taste qualities.

The final shelf life depends on the selected technology:

• wet sand - 7-8 months;
• wooden containers without filler - 4-7 months;
• plastic bags - 3-6 months.

The condition of the foliage plays a decisive role in storage. The larger the stump left behind, the faster the growth process will begin.

Tips on the topic

How to preserve carrots for a long time:

• discard damaged and diseased carrots at the harvesting stage;
• observe the harvest time - only ripe carrots are designed for long-term storage;
• when digging up root crops, carefully peel them, but it is not recommended to shake and knock with carrots strongly - this will lead to the formation of microcracks;
• after circumcision, wait a while - let the cut dry and tighten with a crust;
• prepare the room before storage - it must be dry and cool;
• if in winter there is a possibility of freezing vegetables, wrap the container with warm material;
• do not allow direct sunlight to enter the room where vegetables are located;
• use primarily small roots - large ones have a longer keeping period;
• do not store carrots close to apples - fruits emit ethylene, which provokes spoilage of root crops.

Conclusion

For long-term preservation of carrots, the conditions for the preparation of the vegetable and the premises are observed. Trimming the tops is an obligatory stage in preparing carrots for storage - the keeping quality of the vegetable depends on this stage. This procedure stops the growth process, preserves the beneficial substances and taste of the root crop.