Everyone Thought These White Baby Carrots Were Moldy—The Real Reason They’re Turning White Could Save You Money and Stop You Throwing Away Perfectly Good Food

Opening a bag of baby carrots only to find them covered in a pale white coating can be alarming. Many people assume the carrots have gone moldy and toss them in the trash without a second thought. Surprisingly, that white layer is usually not mold at all.

The harmless condition is known as carrot blush or white blush, and it happens when the carrots lose moisture. Because baby carrots are peeled and cut before packaging, they no longer have their natural outer skin to help retain water. As the surface dries out, it reflects light differently, creating the dusty white appearance that so often causes confusion.