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How Long Do Beets Last? Do They Go Bad?

If you’ve ever gone grocery shopping and come home with a bundle of beets, only to wonder how long they will last––or if, in fact, cooked beets can go bad––you’re not alone.

Whether purchased fresh from the produce aisle or pre-cooked in the deli section, storing beets requires more information than you might initially think.

But don’t worry: we’ve got your back!

In this blog post we’ll answer all your questions related to the shelf life of beets and provide helpful tips for storing them longer so that you get maximum nutritional value from each bright red root vegetable.

So let’s get started today: read on as we dive even deeper into the world of beet storage together!

What’s Beet?

Beetroot is a root vegetable that is often red or purple in color.

It has a sweet, earthy flavor and is often used in salads or as a garnish.

Beetroot is also known for its health benefits, as it is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Beetroot is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.

It also contains potassium, magnesium, iron, and fiber.

Beetroot is low in calories and fat, and it contains no cholesterol.

The health benefits of beetroot include reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, boosting stamina and energy levels, and detoxifying the body.

Beetroot can also help improve digestion and promote regularity.

How to Store Beets?

Storing beets is a straightforward process.

For best results, select beets with smooth, unblemished skin and no cracks.

Keep the beet leaves on until it’s time to cook them so that the moisture stays in the roots.

Rinse the dirt off with cold water before storing, but don’t scrub vigorously as this can remove some of the color from the beets.

After washing, pat dry and wrap each beet in a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture.

Place the wrapped beets in a plastic bag or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Be sure to check for spoilage regularly, as even small amounts of rot can spread quickly throughout harvested beets.

Handle stored beets carefully to avoid bruising, which can lead to spoilage faster than when stored correctly.

With proper storage you can ensure your harvest stays fresh.

How Long Do Beets Last?

Beets are a root vegetable that can last anywhere from 2-5 weeks, depending on how they are stored.

If you store them in a cool, dark place, such as the fridge, they will last closer to the 5 week mark.

Beets can also be frozen for up to 8 months.

The best way to store beets is by cutting off the greens, leaving about an inch of stem attached.

Store the beets in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.

The greens can be stored separately in a different bag in the fridge and used within a few days.

If you want to freeze your beets, wash and trim them before cutting them into 1-inch cubes.

Place the cubes into a freezer safe bag or container and store in the freezer.

When you’re ready to use them, thaw the beets in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Can You Freeze Beets?

Wondering if you can freeze beets? The answer is yes.

You can actually freeze beets in a few different ways. The first way is to blanch them.

Blanching is a process of boiling the beets for a short period of time, then shocking them in cold water.

This helps to preserve their color and texture.

To blanch beets, simply boil them for 3-4 minutes, then remove from the heat and place in a bowl of ice water.

Once they are cooled, drain them and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Freeze for 2-3 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.

Another way to freeze beets is to roast them first.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the beets and makes them even more delicious.

To roast, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, then wrap the beets in foil and place on a baking sheet.

Roast for 30-40 minutes, then allow to cool before freezing.

Again, you can either freeze them whole on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or cut into chunks and freeze in a freezer bag or container.

So there you have it – two easy ways to freeze beets.

Now you can enjoy them all year long.

How to Tell If Beets are Bad?

If you’re not sure how to tell if beets are bad, there are a few things you can look for.

First, check the color of the beets. If they’re starting to turn brown or black, that’s a sign that they’re going bad.

Second, smell the beets. If they have a sour or unpleasant odor, that’s another sign that they need to be thrown out.

Finally, feel the beets. If they’re mushy or slimy, those are also signs that they’ve gone bad.

If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw the beets out.

However, if you’re not sure whether or not they’re bad, you can always cut off any affected areas and cook them anyways.

Beets are still safe to eat as long as they don’t have any mold on them.

So there you have it. Now you know how to tell if beets are bad and what to do with them if they are.

Conclusion

All in all, beets can last a pretty long time if stored correctly.

If you want to extend their lifespan even further, you can freezes them.

And if you’re ever unsure about whether your beets have gone bad, there are some telltale signs to look out for.

We hope you found this post helpful in answering your beet-related questions.

How Long Do Beets Last? Do They Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Beets
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
  • If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
  • Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!