Freezing carrot tops is a great way to preserve the nutrients and flavor of this often discarded part of the carrot plant. Carrot tops are the leafy green tops that are attached to carrots when you purchase them. Many people simply cut off and throw away carrot tops, not realizing that they are edible and nutritious. Freezing carrot tops allows you to save them and have them available to use long after the carrots themselves have been eaten.
Can you eat carrot tops?
Yes, carrot tops are entirely edible. The leafy green tops attached to carrots are similar to parsley or other fresh herbs. Carrot tops have an earthy, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the carrot root. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Popular ways to use carrot tops include:
- Adding them to green smoothies, juices or other blended drinks
- Chopping and tossing them into salads, slaws or salsa
- Using them as a garnish for soups, grain bowls and other dishes
- Sauteing or stir frying them with olive oil and garlic
- Blanching them briefly then mixing into pesto, herb butters or dips
In addition to their versatility in recipes, carrot tops are highly nutritious. They contain high levels of potassium, vitamins K, E, C and pro-vitamin A. They also provide antioxidants, beta-carotene and lutein. So by using carrot tops instead of discarding them, you gain additional nutrition.
Should you wash carrot tops before freezing?
Yes, it’s important to wash carrot tops thoroughly before freezing them. Any dirt or debris left on the tops could compromise the quality and safety of your frozen carrot tops. Here are some tips for prepping carrot tops for the freezer:
- Cut off the carrot tops, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached. Rinse the tops under cool running water.
- Check closely for any grit or dirt clinging to the tops, especially where they were cut from the root. Wash several times if needed to remove all visible dirt.
- Pat the tops dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
- Lay the tops out in a single layer on a towel and inspect for any remaining dirt or damage. Trim any brown or damaged bits with kitchen shears.
Washing the tops just before freezing will help maximize freshness. Avoid soaking the tops prior to freezing, as excess water will lead to ice crystals forming during freezing which damages the leaves. With clean and dry carrot tops, you’re ready to move on to freezing them.
What’s the best way to freeze carrot tops?
There are a two easy methods for freezing carrot tops:
- Loose Pack – Spread the clean, dry tops in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate. Place in the freezer until completely frozen, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. They remain loose and easy to grab a few at a time.
- Vacuum Sealed – Place portions of the prepped tops into vacuum seal bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn which preserves flavor and nutrients.
Vacuum sealing does take up less space compared to loose packing. But the loose pack method makes it easier to remove just the portion you need each time. Choose whichever option works best for your kitchen.
Tips for Freezing Carrot Tops
- Make sure tops are completely dry before freezing, moisture leads to clumping.
- Lay portions in a single layer when freezing to prevent freezing into a solid clump.
- Use freezer bags or airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Squeeze out excess air when using bags.
- Label bags or containers with contents and date frozen.
- Avoid overstuffing bags or containers, leave some room for expansion as the tops freeze.
How long do frozen carrot tops last?
Properly frozen carrot tops will maintain quality and freshness for approximately 8-10 months in the freezer. Exact storage time depends on the preparation method as well as your freezer temperature. Vacuum sealed tops may last up to a year, while loose packed tops are best used within 8 months. Portioning the tops into smaller bags or containers helps prevent waste since you can thaw just what you need each time.
Signs that frozen carrot tops should be discarded include:
- Ice crystals forming on the leaves
- Translucent, water soaked appearance
- Noticeable freezer burn
- Loss of bright green color, dull or greyish hue
- Off odors
As long as the frozen tops remain vibrant green and free of ice crystals or freezer burn, they are safe to use. Discard any that show signs of spoilage.
How do you thaw frozen carrot tops?
Carrot tops can be thawed either in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for quick thawing. It’s best to avoid thawing at room temperature.
To thaw in the refrigerator, place the bag or container of frozen tops on a plate or dish to catch any drips as they thaw. Allow 12-24 hours for complete thawing, longer for larger portions. Once thawed, use immediately.
For quick thawing, keep frozen tops sealed in the bag and place under cold running tap water. Rotate and massage the bag periodically to evenly distribute the warmth. Thaw just until you can easily break off or portion out the amount you need. Once thawed, use immediately.
You can also add frozen carrot tops directly to soups, stews or other cooked dishes to thaw and cook all at once. Just account for the extra volume added.
Can you refreeze thawed carrot tops?
It is not recommended to refreeze carrot tops after they have been completely thawed. Any ice crystals that form during the initial freezing will damage cell structures in the leaves. When thawed these crystals dissolve, rupturing more cell walls in the process. Refreezing increases this damage. For best quality and safety, only thaw the portion of frozen tops you plan to use right away.
If you end up thawing more than you need, here are some options:
- Chop and add to a smoothie, salsa, pesto or other blended item. The blended consistency will disguise any loss of texture.
- Cook into soups, stews, casseroles or sauces which benefits from the added moisture released from thawing.
- Juice them to extract all the liquid goodness and nutrients.
- Dehydrate them into carrot top chips or powder.
Avoid letting thawed carrot tops sit at room temperature too long. Use them quickly or return to the fridge if needed.
What are some recipes using frozen carrot tops?
Here are a few recipe ideas for using up frozen carrot tops:
Carrot Top Pesto
Blend thawed carrot tops with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, nuts and parmesan for a flavorful pesto to top meats, fish, pasta or vegetables.
Carrot Top Soup
Puree thawed carrot tops with onions, broth and seasonings for a bright green, nutrient packed soup.
Smoothies and Juices
Add a handful of frozen tops to your favorite smoothie or juice recipe for a boost of vitamins and minerals.
Carrot Top Chimichurri
Mix thawed carrot tops into a chimichurri sauce with parsley, cilantro, garlic and oil to accompany grilled meats or fish.
Grain Bowls
Sprinkle thawed carrot tops over grain bowls, salads or Buddha bowls for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Carrot Top Compound Butter
Blend together thawed carrot tops, butter, lemon zest and herbs. Roll into a log and chill before serving on seafood, chicken or vegetables.
The earthy, herbal notes of carrot tops pair well with creamy or acidic ingredients. Get creative with ways to incorporate them into meals to reduce waste and add nutrition!
Can you freeze carrot tops and carrots together?
It’s best not to freeze carrot tops still attached to carrots. The different structures and compositions of the leafy tops and firm roots means they require different handling for optimal freezing.
Here’s why it’s better to freeze them separately:
- The tops need to be spread out in a single layer to freeze evenly. Leaving them attached to the carrot bunches prevents this.
- The moisture content is higher in the greens compared to the roots. Freezing together often leads to ice crystal formation in the tops which causes texture damage.
- Carrot roots keep longer in the freezer than the more delicate tops. Storing separately allows you to use the carrots beyond when the tops would have degraded.
- It’s easier to use only what you need if they are frozen individually. Thaw a few carrot tops without having to thaw the whole carrot bunch.
For best quality preservation, remove the greens from the roots and prep them separately for the freezer. The minimal extra effort is worth it for longer lasting frozen produce with no waste.
Should you blanch carrot tops before freezing?
Blanching, aka briefly cooking in boiling water then shocking in ice water, is recommended for most vegetables prior to freezing. Blanching stops the enzyme action that can lead to loss of flavor, color and texture.
However, carrot tops contain lower levels of enzymes compared to their roots and can be frozen unblanched. Blanching does help them retain more vibrant color over time in the freezer but isn’t strictly necessary. It comes down to personal preference.
To blanch carrot tops:
- Clean and dry tops thoroughly.
- Cut stems into 1 inch pieces.
- Boil 2 cups of water in a pot. Add tops and boil for 1 minute only.
- Drain tops and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to cool.
- Drain again and pat completely dry.
- Portion tops into freezer bags, removing air, or spread on a sheet for open freezing.
If choosing not to blanch, simply portion the cleaned tops and place straight into the freezer. They’ll still have excellent quality and flavor when thawed.
Can you freeze carrot tops in oil or broth?
Carrot tops can be frozen by pre-coating them in oil or broth for use in cooking applications like sautéing or making soup. However the high moisture content can lead to diminished quality over longer freezer storage.
If freezing in liquid, use oil with protective properties like olive oil or broth that’s been thoroughly strained of any solids. Prep the tops, then place in bags or containers and cover with 1/4 inch of oil or broth. Seal, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
When ready to use, thaw the oiled or broth lined tops in the refrigerator. Drain off most of the liquid before cooking. The residual oil or broth helps the tops reheat faster in the pan while adding flavor.
Conclusion
Freezing carrot tops is simple to do at home with minimal time and effort. Proper cleaning and drying, portioning tops into bags or containers, and freezing them quickly at 0°F or below will retain nutrients and allow you to enjoy their earthy flavor for 8-10 months after harvest season is over. Look for vibrant green color and no signs of ice crystals or freezer burn before using frozen carrot tops in pestos, soups, juices or other dishes.