Look for firm, crisp carrots with a smooth, blemish-free exterior. Be wary of deep green shoulders just below the top which may indicate bitterness. Oversized carrots may have tough centres.

For fresh bunched carrots, immediately remove the leafy green tops. (They draw off moisture and vitamins from the edible root, and can cause wilting and toughening.) Store in plastic for up to three weeks in refrigerator crisper.

You can buy topped Ontario carrots year-round, packed in clear plastic bags. Store, in original packaging, as you would bunching carrots.

For longer storage, keep carrots cool and moist in a root cellar or similar cool place.