Carrot

にんじん

Hokkaido accounts for about 30% of national production, mainly spring-sown and autumn-harvested. Chiba Prefecture contributes to year-round supply with winter-spring shipments. Rich in beta-carotene, whose absorption improves when cooked with oil. A staple vegetable used across Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines in curries, simmered dishes, salads, and more

Taste & Texture

Strongly sweet with a characteristic earthy aroma. Cold winter temperatures further develop the sweetness. Versatile for both raw and cooked preparations

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Oct - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose carrots with smooth, vibrant orange skin.

  • A smaller core at the cut end indicates more sweetness.

  • With tops attached, look for green, fresh foliage.

  • Select those with uniform thickness and color to the tip.

How to Store

  • Cut off any tops before storing.

  • Wrap each carrot in paper towel or newspaper, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate in the vegetable compartment.

  • For freezing, slice raw or blanch first.

Shelf life 2-3 weeks refrigerated, 1-2 months frozen

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Jan ¥119/kg
BUSIEST May 28,866t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Feb ¥454/1kg
Most Expensive Apr ¥651/1kg

Annual Average

¥537/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

98% Domestic
Hokkaido28.7%
Chiba20.5%
Tokushima9.0%
Aomori6.4%
Nagasaki6.0%
Others29.4%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
156,900
28.7%
2
111,800
20.5%
3
49,400
9.0%
4
35,100
6.4%
5
32,700
6.0%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Hokkaido
Chiba
Tokushima
Aomori
Nagasaki

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥2,753 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Naha Okinawa
¥4,137
2
Saitama Saitama
¥3,303
3
Niigata Niigata
¥3,148
4
Matsue Shimane
¥3,139
5
Okayama Okayama
¥3,125

Source: Statistics Bureau Family Income and Expenditure Survey (2024, two-or-more-person households, prefectural capital cities)