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Original poster

How to keep carrots/parsnips/sprouts fresh?

36 replies

mildtomoderate · 18/12/2021 11:34

We have a big shop coming today with the veggies we need for Xmas dinner.

DS has just tested positive on LFT so it's possible we will be locked down nearer to Xmas day and unable to get more groceries.

How can I keep the veggies fresh until Xmas day, assuming we might not be able to get any more? I keep them in the fridge in their bags but within 3-4 days they always get mushy spots or go rubbery.

Should I parboil and freeze maybe?

OP posts:
GoodnightGrandma · 18/12/2021 11:36

Take them out of plastic bags and put them on kitchen paper to keep them dry. Try not to pile them too much.
I personally think it’s a bit early for Xmas veg yet, but if you’re going to be locked in it’s better than nothing !

Original poster
mildtomoderate · 18/12/2021 11:39

@GoodnightGrandma

Take them out of plastic bags and put them on kitchen paper to keep them dry. Try not to pile them too much. I personally think it’s a bit early for Xmas veg yet, but if you’re going to be locked in it’s better than nothing !
It is too early, I'd usually buy on 23rd, but needs must
OP posts:
purplesequins · 18/12/2021 11:40

agree, take them out of the plastic wrapping and put them in the fridge in a paper bag (or a dish towel). they should be fine in the fridge until then.

Sideswiped · 18/12/2021 11:41

If you have a garage, put them in the there.

Original poster
mildtomoderate · 18/12/2021 11:42

@Sideswiped

If you have a garage, put them in the there.
No garage, but DH's garden office is not being used atm, so could use this
OP posts:
Taoneusa · 18/12/2021 11:42

I would 100% prep, parboil and freeze. Saves work on the day and your veggies will be nice and fresh.

Original poster
mildtomoderate · 18/12/2021 11:42

@Taoneusa

I would 100% prep, parboil and freeze. Saves work on the day and your veggies will be nice and fresh.
This is what I'm thinking
OP posts:
Chasingsquirrels · 18/12/2021 11:43

It's a week, root veg will be perfectly fine.

lebkuchenforxmas · 18/12/2021 11:45

I've never parboiled in advance but my grandparents had a massive veg patch and, having grown up in the war, never wanted to waste anything so would store this type of veg in the dark, cold shed with layers of newspaper between them. Not only does the newspaper absorb any moisture but, if one rots, the rest are protected.

LagerthaofKattegat · 18/12/2021 11:45

I have carrots in fridge for days before they go rubbery. Same for parsnips.

Chasingsquirrels · 18/12/2021 11:45

And sprouts and cauli etc too.

Although I agree take them out of the plastic bags.

DirtyDancing · 18/12/2021 11:48

Par boil and freeze

Littlepigsmig · 18/12/2021 11:49

Carrots in a jar of water as this helps keeps them fresh. As others have said, remove all plastic. Root veg usually lasts a good while so I think you'll be ok.

Vanuatu · 18/12/2021 11:51

Carrots will last for a week easily if stored well in the fridge.
I would parboil the parsnips and freeze.
The sprouts would go in the bin, they are Satan's plums Grin

GoGoGretaDoll · 18/12/2021 11:51

It's the plastic that makes them sweat and go a bit funny, so as a general rule, take everything out of plastic wrapping. If you stick them in the office wrapped in newspaper they'll last for weeks.

Though if you're feeling a bit blue at the thought of being stuck in, I would absolutely get the Christmas tunes on and do a bit of parboiling and freezing. Thankfully DH has just tested negative from a test yesterday so I know exactly how you feel!

Oh, also our local farm shop still has delivery slots for next week if you do get stuck.

tulips27 · 18/12/2021 11:52

You may have time still to have a small Riverford vegetable box with the essentials in it, it depends on the delivery day in your area. If you do use them could you use my referral link please? Grin

Georgyporky · 18/12/2021 11:54

I use the car boot as the fridge is usually full.

Caspianberg · 18/12/2021 11:58

It’s the plastic that’s making them go off quickly.
Take every out always from packaging and store loose in fridge and it will be fine to eat in 6 days time

Ifailed · 18/12/2021 12:04

root veg like carrots and parsnips need to be a little damp to keep fresh, so wrap them in a moist towel in the crisper drawer.
Loos sprouts will not keep for long, you really need to eat up the ones you have and buy some more nearer xmas.

Orangedaisy · 18/12/2021 12:05

You need magic Lakeland green bags. Will try to find a link

Orangedaisy · 18/12/2021 12:06

www.lakeland.co.uk/1094/20-Lakeland-Stayfresh-Longer-Vegetable-Storage-Bags-25-x-38cm

Any fruit and veg in these in the fridge lasts weeks. Might not be delivered for this time (sorry) but they will change your life for next time (which hopefully won’t happen but still….).

Orangedaisy · 18/12/2021 12:07

You can get them Amazon primed to you for monday

Itsnearlyxmas · 18/12/2021 12:08

Buy frozen? Saves a lot of faff too!

Frankii · 18/12/2021 12:09

Do an Amazon Prime Now delivery next week from Morrisons - include some tinned veg just in case they don't have fresh.

BellaBella1984 · 18/12/2021 12:19

@Georgyporky

I use the car boot as the fridge is usually full.
This is life changing!
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