Beets are a nutritious, versatile, and antioxidant-rich biennial root vegetable. Beets are quite easy to store, especially in the refrigerator. Properly stored beets can last for weeks or even months.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing Bits to Save
Step 1. Choose beetroots with leaves that are fresh and not yet wilted
If you want to store beets and keep them fresh, make sure the bulbs you harvest are fresh from the start. Beet leaves are the best indicator for determining the freshness of the tubers. If the leaves wilt, the beetroot may not be very fresh. So, choose something else.
If you harvest beets from your own garden, wait until winter or even after the first frost, but harvest before the temperature drops to 4 °C at night. Immediately place the beets in a cool place, instead of leaving them in the sun
Step 2. Avoid bits that have obvious defects
Bulbs should have smooth skin. Look for deep reds, unless you are harvesting a different variety, such as gold beets. The “tail” at the base of the tuber should be intact.
Step 3. Choose bits that are hard to hold
The soft part is a sign that the beets are rotten. So, choose a firm tuber. If the beets turn out to be soft, it's better to throw them away.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Bits for Saving
Step 1. Prune the beet leaves and stems
Since the leaves will draw moisture from the tubers, removing them immediately will help keep the beets fresh longer. So, before storing beets, trim them and leave the stems 3-5 cm above the bulbs. Don't cut the tail.
Beet leaves are edible. So don't throw it away. Beetroots can be cooked in the same way as other leafy greens, for example by sautéing. Beet leaves only last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Because the leaves rot more quickly, separate the storage area from the tubers
Step 2. Clean the tubers from the soil
Beets are planted in the ground and when harvested the tubers will be covered with soil. Beets need to be cleaned, but not by washing because washing will make them rot faster. Instead, gently brush the soil off the tubers.
If you wash the beets at this point, dry them thoroughly before storing
Step 3. Keep the beets raw and dry
Again, moisture will rot the tubers. So, keep the beets dry if you want them to last longer. You should also store them raw as cooked beets won't last as long as raw beets.
Part 3 of 3: Storing Beets in a Cool and Damp Place
Step 1. Put the beets in a perforated plastic bag
The plastic bag will prevent the beets from becoming soft, dry, and shriveled in the refrigerator. It's a good idea to make a few small holes in the bag so moisture doesn't get trapped inside.
Step 2. Put the beets into the vegetable drawer
The vegetable drawer in the refrigerator is the best place to store fresh beets along with other vegetables. However, if it can't fit in a drawer, just place it on a shelf in the refrigerator.
Step 3. Periodically check if the bit is still firm to the touch
Bits will become soft if stored too long or in the wrong way. Check the beets regularly to make sure they are firm and not rotten.
If stored properly, beets can last about 1-3 months in the refrigerator. However, it's a good idea to check from time to time to make sure it hasn't softened
Step 4. Store beets in the cellar if you can't use the refrigerator
While keeping beets in the refrigerator is an easy and effective option, you can also store them in the cellar or anywhere else that is cold and damp. In this case, store the beets in a plastic container or cooler.