Extension Connection

Dispelling Another Urban Legend - Baby Carrots Are Safe
By Janet Hackert, Nutrition Specialist     

In this age of fast communication, e-mail and other technologies can get much-needed information to lots of people in a short amount of time. When the message is about rising waters that is closing a highly traveled route, the quick dispersion of the message can save many people much time. When the message shared is a part-truth, misinformation gets around just as quickly and is referred to as an urban legend. Here is one example of a recent urban legend going around that is food related, and so ended up on my desk.

The legend says that baby carrots are cut from larger, gnarly carrots that are then shaped into the cute little carrots and are dipped in a mixture of chlorine and water. It mentions that this is the same chlorine used in swimming pools. It goes on to say that since the protective peeling has been removed, the carrot soaks up an extra amount of the chlorine. Then as the carrots sit in the refrigerator the chlorine surfaces and shows up as a white coating on the carrots. It ends with a question challenging the reader about whether their health is worth the risk of eating such a horrible product.

As with most urban legends, there is a mix of fact and near-fact, or former fact, and a scare tactic that makes the reader wonder what they really know for sure. This is where being an alert consumer is critical and where deciphering fact from fiction is crucial.

In this sample, cocktail carrots were once made from larger, more poorly shaped carrots. These days baby carrots are typically bred to be smaller, sweeter carrots. They are dipped in a chlorine water mixture to destroy or reduce microbial contamination. They are also then rinsed with clean water to remove residues. The white that shows up on the surface of baby carrots can also show up on the surface of large, peeled carrots and other vegetables that get dehydrated. To remedy this, simply place veggies in cold water in the fridge. They rehydrate and regain their color and crisp texture.

So before giving up on nutritious little carrots, or anything else, check the facts. MU Extension can help. For more information about rehydrating vegetables, or any other subject, please contact me or your local University of Missouri Extension office.

 (Written June 19, 2009)

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Extension Connection Barb Ubben, Web Manager harrisonco@missouri.edu Last revised: 05/25/04