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How To Shred Carrots – What Is The Right Way To Do It?

How To Shred Carrots – What Is The Right Way To Do It?

You can buy a bag of grated carrots at any supermarket, however, they are never as good as when you grate carrots fresh at home.

They are lower in sweetness and also less aromatic than the ones I grate myself.

I enjoy shredding carrots at home because they are fresh and because of their natural sweetness.

I feel that the pre-shredded carrots have a completely different taste.

And while you might argue that buying shredded carrots saves time, you will be surprised how easy it is to shred carrots at home.

You can quickly and easily shred carrots by hand using a box grater.

So it’s worth taking this extra step if you want to have freshly grated carrots for a recipe that taste as good as possible.

How To Shred Carrots

To shred carrots wash the carrots thoroughly. Peel off the outer skin and then cut off the ends of your carrots. Cut the carrots in thirds or halves. Turn your food processor on and attach the shredding attachment and lid and shred the carrots. When shredding by hand use a box grater and place it on a cutting board. Wash and peel the carrots but leave the tops on. The tops will function as your grip. Use your leading hand and shred the carrots using the box grater in a top to bottom motion until you reach the final 2 inches of each carrot.

How To Shred Carrots With A Box Grater

Shredding carrots using a box grater is working well
Shredding carrots using a box grater is working well

Most households will have a box grater.

It’s the perfect tool to quickly and easily shred carrots.

When I shred carrots using a grater, I leave the tops on.

You have a much better grip by holding onto the green stub and it is less likely that you cut your fingers.

To do this leave an inch or two of the carrot top attached, but trim off most of the rest of the top.

Shreeding Carrots Step-By-Step

Step 1: Wash the carrots before peeling

Washing carrots before shredding
Washing carrots before peeling and shredding is advised

Wash the carrots thoroughly under cool water.

You can make use of a bristle to get the dirt off.

Make sure to remove any impurities such as dirt.

Clean carrots using a bristle
Clean carrots using a bristle

In addition by washing carrots before shredding, you will be able to remove potential germs and chemicals.

Step 2: Peel the Carrots

Peel carrots using a peeler
Peel carrots using a peeler

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the carrots after you have washed the carrots thoroughly.

You can also leave the skin on the carrots and just wash them, however, the skin often has a slightly bitter taste, and therefore I always peel the carrots.

Step 3: Place a Box Grater on a Cutting Board

Place a box grater on a cutting board
Place a box grater on a cutting board

Place a box grater on a cutting board.

This way the shredded carrots slices will land on the cutting board.

The board itself will also be the base where the box grater can stand on and you avoid scratching the surface of your kitchen.

The box grater should be placed on the cutting board so the bottom part is standing on the board and the top part can be held by your non-dominant hand.

Step 4: Shred the Carrots

Shred carrots using a box grater
Shred carrots using a box grater

Gratify the carrot along the holes of the box grater as you scrape in a downward motion.

Take care and make sure not to let your fingers or hands get in the way!

Continually shred the carrot until the last 2 inches are reached.

Stop there if you don’t want to hurt your hands.

There you have it!

By the way. One of my favorite kitchen tools is the Manual Food Chopper or a “pull string” Food Chopper.

You cannot only use it for carrots but also onions, cucumbers, and so on.

The pieces will be different when chopping with a grater, you will have longer thinner pieces, while with this chopper the carrots get cut into very small short pieces.

If you are using one of those time savers, cut the carrots into 2 inches pieces before putting them in the chopper.

How To Revitalise Dry Shredded Carrot

Dry shredded carrots can be revitalized
Dry shredded carrots can be revitalized

Although it may seem convenient to have pre-shredded carrots, I am reminded of many sad side salads when I see the frequently rubbery and dry, orange shreds.

No matter how good a bagged carrot tastes, I cannot resist the temptation of laziness over a freshly shredded carrot.

There are currently two bags of grated carrots in my refrigerator.

However, there is a way to transform these nearly-dehydrated vegetable wisps back into their original pliable crisp form.

Shredded carrots on a salad taste great - Mmmh!
Shredded carrots on a salad taste great – Mmmh!

You can add a little bit of salt to preserve their delicate flavor, which then allows you to use them as a snack again.

Shredded carrots are softened by osmosis, just like any other plant part you soak in sodium chloride.

Salt (the solute) reacts with water (the solvent) to collapse carrot cellular walls, and this happens quickly.

Tenderizing shredded carrots in about 15 minutes with just 1/4 teaspoon of salt is easy.

Plus, they are flavored with salt.

Slightly salt carrots to revive them
Slightly salt carrots to revive them

You just need to toss the carrots in a bowl with some salt if you want to prepare them with the salt described above.

Let them sit for 10 minutes.

The softened vegetables can also be dressed with acidic vinegar or pickled after softening.

To reduce the risk of having a dish that is too salty, rinse the carrot shreds before dressing them. 

Conclusion

The task to shredder carrots might sound big but in the end it’s worth every effort.

If you are in a hurry there is no harm to grab a bag of pre-shredded carrots but unfortunately, they won’t be as sweet and juicy as freshly cut at home.

The carrots will be moister and have a better texture if you shred them by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shred Carrots

Are Fresh Shredded Carrots Good For Long-Term Storage?

Fresh carrots stored in a container can be kept fresh for three weeks. Cooked carrots will only last 3-5 days.

Grated Carrots Versus Shredded Carrots – What’s The Difference?

Shredding produces thin strips, whereas grating produces particles that resemble small bits. Therefore shredded carrots are thin strips of carrots whereas grates carrots are small bit sizes particles of carrots.