How long does it take chopped food to die?

[mmmfood]

Let's say I chop a carrot in half, eat one half and then put the other half back in the fridge. Will the second half die quickly or has it slowly been dying anyway ever since it was taken out of the ground?

[raven]

Produce does start losing nutrients soon after being picked. Cutting it further accelerates the oxidation process. You just have to do the best you can.

Suzy

[FloridaPatty]

Then get another carrot! It's still a plant if you chop it in half. Shouldn't loose anymore nutrients than if it was whole. Other veggies would definately be different. I'd say root veggies should pretty much be like the carrot.

[EZ rider]

I'd say root veggies should pretty much be like the carrot.A potato is a root vegetable and if you were to cut it and then watch the exposed surfaces as they oxidize you wouldn't have to wait very long to see the start and the progression of oxidation occurring.

[FloridaPatty]

A potato is a root vegetable and if you were to cut it and then watch the exposed surfaces as they oxidize you wouldn't have to wait very long to see the start and the progression of oxidation occurring.

and you can plant the piece and get a plant and then more potatoes.

[FloridaPatty]

http://www.weekendgardener.net/2007/09/grow-carrot-top.htm

Yes, you can plant all those carrot tops you throw away!

[EZ rider]

and you can plant the piece and get a plant and then more potatoes.Thats an interesting point and I will think about that.