Sun-Dried Carrot Strips

Why people make this snack

Nourilo was reminded of this old-fashioned village snack when a family friend brought back a bag of home-dried carrot strips from their hometown — soft, chewy, vibrantly coloured, and far tastier than fresh carrot alone. The friend explained the secret: as long as the strips are dried in direct sunlight, they stay bright orange without any colouring or preservatives. What struck Nourilo most was how this humble village food combines genuine palatability with real nutritional value. Carrots are among the most researched vegetables in terms of beta-carotene content; the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is associated with healthy vision, respiratory tract protection, and children’s growth. Drying concentrates those qualities and creates a shelf-stable snack that can be enjoyed any time.

Method

1. Wash, peel, and cut carrots into even strips.
2. Toss the carrot strips with coarse salt and mix well until evenly coated.
3. Place in a colander or sieve and leave to drain for approximately 1 day — the salt will draw out significant moisture.
4. The following day, steam the drained strips over boiling water for 15 minutes.
5. Remove and spread the strips out in a colander or on a rack in a well-ventilated spot with good sun exposure.
6. Air-dry in sunlight until the strips are completely dry and no longer moist.
7. Store in an airtight container once fully dried. Eat as a snack.

Nourilo’s Tips

The secret to vivid colour without any additives is simple: adequate direct sunlight. If the drying location is too shaded or humid, the strips may turn brownish. This recipe works best in dry autumn or winter weather when humidity is low — summer drying requires excellent ventilation or the strips can spoil. The finished dried carrot tastes richer and more intense than fresh carrot, which Nourilo finds quite enjoyable.

If you live in a climate without reliable sun, a food dehydrator set at a low temperature (around 55–60°C) can replicate the drying step, though the character is slightly different.