Harvesting carrots in cool weather will extend their shelf life and maintain post-harvest quality. Low soil temperatures improve the storage potential of carrots by (1) cooling the roots before they are harvested, and (2) creating conditions that are not conducive for the growth of pathogens.
Depending on the market requirements, carrots can be sold as topped or bunched carrots (tops left on). Bunched carrots respire faster, and therefore deteriorate faster, than topped carrots. Carrots being marketed as topped must be properly trimmed such that the length of the tops is approximately 2.5 cm.
During storage, avoid mixing carrots with ethylene- producing commodities such as apples, peppers or melons.
Transport carrots carefully - avoid excessive bouncing and shaking in bins to reduce bruising and splitting. In hot weather, cover the carrots with a tarpaulin during transport.
Never keep harvested carrots in the sun. Shading will reduce dehydration. Heated carrots lose quality and dehydrate more quickly.
RWA
ENG