Who knew you could pickle (almost) any fruit or veggie? You can pickle onions, you can pickle beets, you can pickle cucumbers for classic pickles—and yes, you can pickle carrots, too! Follow along as we break down how to make pickled carrots. We’ll also give you some tips and product recommendations along the way. Let’s dive right in.
What do pickled carrots taste like?
Pickled carrots appeal to all tastebuds. Made with sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, cloves and a few cinnamon sticks, this pickled carrots recipe is salty, sweet and a little sour, too.
Are pickled carrots healthy?
The process of pickling carrots, or making any pickled vegetables, maintains the veggies’ nutrients while adding a healthy dose of probiotics, vitamins and minerals to your diet. Keep in mind, however, that pickling requires vinegar and sugar to preserve produce for long periods of time. If you’re on a low-sodium or low-sugar diet, enjoy pickled carrots in small doses. (For reference, this recipe contains 170 milligrams of sodium and six grams of sugar per 1/4 cup.)
Ingredients for Pickled Carrots
- Carrots, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick strips
- Sugar
- Water
- Cider vinegar
- Mustard seed
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
Directions
Step 1: Boil the carrots
Place the carrots in a large saucepan and add just enough water to cover the tips of each carrot. Bring to a boil and cook, covered, until the carrots are crisp and tender, three to five minutes. Then, drain the carrots, and transfer them to a large heatproof bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the pickling liquid
In another large saucepan, combine sugar, water, cider vinegar, mustard seed, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Pickle the carrots overnight
Pour the pickling liquid over the boiled carrots. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow all the flavors to blend. Then, transfer the pickled mixture to a jar and screw the lid on tightly.
How to Store Pickled Carrots
This recipe is considered a “quick pickle,” so keep these carrots in the fridge and eat them within one month. If you want to learn how to make pickled carrots that last longer, check out our guide on how to can.
Pickled Carrots Tips
We think it’s best to peel carrots before pickling them. This lets the carrots soak up more of the pickling liquid and you won’t need to worry about any unwanted bacteria lingering around on the peel.
Once your pickled carrots are ready, you can snack on them as is or add them to a dish for a pop of tangy flavor. Arrange them on top of steak sandwiches or add them to a pickled vegetable salad. Or you can use them all up making your own giardiniera for Italian beef hoagies or French dip sandwiches.
