White bristles on carrots

Question

I've had carrots in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few weeks and when I went to use them today, I noticed there are what I can best describe as white bristles or whiskers coming out of them. I've never seen this before. What are they and have the carrots spoiled ?

Updated with photo – AfterWorkGuinness May 04 '16 at 22:56 — AfterWorkGuinness, May 04 '16 at 22:56

score 17 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:33

17

They're just roots.

Don't forget that carrots are a taproot and this one seems to be trying to grow.

The carrots are still fine to eat, though they use the internal sugars to grow the roots, so they may not taste as sweet. They'll also get soft really quickly, so if you're going to eat them, do it soon.

Related question here.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:33

Community

1

answered May 04 '16 at 22:57

Catija

16,300
8
54
86

3

Eating carrots more often prevents root formation. – Wayfaring Stranger Sep 26 '18 at 23:30
One of the few cases where bristles or whiskers growing on food _isn't_ a reason to immediately throw it out! – Vikki Apr 27 '21 at 01:12

White bristles on carrots

1 Answers1