Experts share the truth about these little orange veggies.
I spoke with a few experts to get the real deal on these orangelunch boxstaples.
A word before diving in: the phrase baby carrots is a bit of a misnomer.
Photo:Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images
True baby carrots are just small carrots.
How Are Baby Carrots Made?
Most baby carrots start off as full-sizedcarrots, says registered dietitian Marina Chapparo.
Theyre simply cut, washed, peeled, and shaped into smaller, rounded pieces for convenience.
This helps keep the carrots crisp and fresh.
Are Baby Carrots Healthy?
In a word, yes.
For the most part, they have the same nutritional profile asregular carrots.
But, if you peel your large carrots, then the fiber amount is comparable.
So dont sweat the tiny fiber difference.
Are Baby Carrots Safe to Eat?
The chlorine is at levels comparable to tap water, Chapparo says.
Cassidi Amos, vice president of quality assurance and food safety at Bolthouse Fresh Foods, explains.
And what about when baby carrots get a dry, white-ish appearance?
Thats known as white blush, and it’s a result of dehydration, says Amos.
Since the outer skin is removed during processing, the exposed surface is more susceptible to drying out.
you’re free to easily restore the carrots orange-y appearance by simply rinsing them with water.
Frequently Asked Questions
You dont need to wash baby carrots.
Theyre ready to eat right out of the bag.
Opened, but tightly sealed, bags of baby carrots should be good for at least 5 days.
As with every fresh vegetable, use your senses to determine if theyre still good to eat.
If they feel soft or slimy, its time to move on to a new bag.
They can be boiled, sauteed, or roasted.
