Good quality carrots should be well-shaped with firm, smooth exteriors. Color should be vibrant orange to orange-red. For best quality, tops should be closely trimmed since they tend to decay rapidly. High in antioxidants vitamin C and A, low calorie and cholesterol free. Carrots were first cultivated in Afghanistan in the 7th century, Red, black yellow, white, purple - these were the colors that carrots started out with. Everything but orange. Refrigerate Remove green tops and store unwashed in a plastic bag.