Carrots, available year-round, are usually sold unpeeled in bags. Sometimes they can be purchased loose with greens still attached. Miniature peeled carrots, introduced in the late '80s, have gained popularity, especially as snacks for children and in brown bag lunches. When buying carrots, peek through the bag and make sure they are not cracked, a sign of age. They should also be firm, not wiggly.
Peeled carrots offer convenience, but they dry out more quickly than unpeeled ones.
A bag of whole, unpeeled carrots will last in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. Medium-size carrots, about six to a pound, are the best. Larger carrots often have tough, woody cores. Cut on the diagonal for a pretty presentation. Boiled, sliced carrots take about eight to 10 minutes, leaving a slight crunch.