Find answers to our most commonly asked questions below. Have a question you don’t see below? Contact us and we’ll respond at our earliest opportunity.
FAQ's
Are baby carrots really “baby carrots” or are they just regular carrots cut down?
Baby carrots are actually not grown bite-size. We grow a special variety of carrots to be especially long and slender, so they’re perfectly sized to be cut into baby carrots. They’re sweeter, more tender and have a more slender core than traditional table carrots.
Are baby carrots soaked in chlorine?
Carrots are washed and hydrocooled in water containing a small amount of chlorine. This helps to keep the water sanitary and helps prevent the potential spread of harmful microorganisms. This is a normal practice in the produce industry and is recommended by the FDA. This practice is also approved for organic produce by both the USDA and our organic certifier, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). The chlorine used in the water does not change the flavor of the carrot nor does it change its appearance.
Are carrots a genetically modified organism (GMOs) vegetable?
No, our carrots are not a GMO vegetable.
Are carrots gluten-free?
Yes, carrots are naturally gluten-free.
Are dyes used to produce my carrots?
No, the vibrant colors of our orange and rainbow carrots come from their natural vitamin, mineral, and nutrient content. We do not use dyes or additives in any of our carrots.
Are my carrots certified kosher? Are they certified kosher for Passover?
Yes, all of our carrots are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU). Please refer to the Orthodox Union website and search by one of our brand names to find out which of our products are certified kosher for Passover: https://oukosher.org
Are nitrates present in the carrots?
Nitrate is the primary form of nitrogen that vegetable plants need in order to grow. It is a naturally occurring compound, and without an adequate supply of nitrate in the soil, crops would not grow properly, resulting in poorly flavored, stunted produce. With the adoption of newer carrot cultivators with lower nitrogen requirements, Grimmway Produce GroupTM has reduced the amount of nitrogen fertilizer normally applied to fields. This trend will likely continue as we improve our fertilization efficiency.
Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms and Bunny Luv products labeled as organically grown are produced according to strict standards regulated by the USDA. These standards help to ensure that crops are produced using organic farming methods that ensure that fruits and vegetables receive adequate nutrients for proper growth.
Are your facilities used to process any of the eight major allergenic foods?
Our facilities are free of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat (gluten) and soybeans. The only products processed in our facilities are carrots.
Can I freeze carrots?
You can certainly freeze our carrots. We recommend blanching them first to preserve their color, flavor, and texture, and reduce susceptibility to spoilage. To blanch carrots for freezing, submerge them in boiling water for 2-5 minutes and then transfer them to an ice bath for another 2-5 minutes. Once the carrots are cooled, drain and pat them dry, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store them in the freezer.
Do I need to wash the peeled carrots? What about the whole carrots?
Baby carrots and specialty cut carrots, such as carrot chips, shredded carrots, carrot sticks, and carrot coins, are pre-washed and ready-to-eat directly from the bag. While we recommend that you wash the whole carrots, peeling is personal preference.
How are peeled baby carrots processed?
The process that we use to produce our fresh, peeled baby carrots starts with cutting the carrots into 2-inch segments. After inspection and grading for defects and size, they are then abrasively peeled and polished. The carrots are then washed in treated water and hydrocooled. As a final step, we put a small amount of water into the bag to help keep the carrots hydrated. The bags are then packed in cartons for shipping.
How should carrots be stored?
It is important to keep your produce fresh. Carrots should be stored in the refrigerator and away from ethylene-producing produce such as avocados, apples, and bananas.
Is it safe to eat carrots after the "Best If Used By" date printed on the package?
We do not recommend consuming products past the “Best If Used By” date printed on the package as we cannot ensure the quality and safety of the carrots beyond this date.
What is the difference between organic and conventional carrots?
Organic carrots are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. In addition, organic fields must be free from the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers for three years before being considered organic. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers meet the organic certification standards set by the USDA. Visit https://calorganicfarms.com/organic-farming/ to learn more about our organic farming methods.
What is the shelf life of carrots?
If carrots are properly stored in your refrigerator, they will typically remain fresh and delicious for around 30 days. However, like all fresh produce, this time can vary depending on the refrigerator temperature and how the carrots are packaged.
Where are Grimmway Produce Group™ carrots grown?
Most of our carrots are grown in California, however we also farm in Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Minnesota, Georgia and Florida.
Why are some of my carrots cracked?
The splits or cracks you’re seeing on your carrots are naturally occurring cosmetic issues and the carrots are still safe to consume. Carrots are brittle root vegetables and their coarse texture makes them prone to experiencing growth cracks which are often accentuated during the lifecycle of the carrot. The natural sugar content in carrots also makes them especially susceptible to splitting. Our quality and food safety teams work diligently to sort split carrots out before the packaging stage, however we’re not able to catch them all as carrots can split even after they’ve been packed.
Why did my carrots become slimy?
Sliminess is usually the result of inadequate refrigeration. Avoid breaking the cold chain by keeping carrots refrigerated. We recommend disposing of carrots that have become slimy, and not eating them cooked or raw.
Why do some of my carrots turn white?
A dry texture and white color are most commonly the result of surface dehydration. Since baby carrots are peeled, a small amount of water is added to the package to keep the carrots hydrated. But if the product gets too warm, the carrots will consume this extra moisture supply and become dehydrated, which causes whitening on the surface. Thankfully, this is a cosmetic issue, and the carrots are still safe to consume! If the white color is too distracting, a brief soak in cold water will restore the original color.