Beetroot, also known as beets, is a versatile and nutrient-dense vegetable widely recognized for its rich colour and earthy flavour. As a root vegetable, it can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, cooked, or juiced. However, to preserve its flavor, nutrients, and texture, it’s crucial to store beetroot correctly.
Learning how to store beetroot properly can significantly extend its shelf life, ensuring you enjoy it for weeks to come.
In this guide, we will explore the best methods for storing both fresh and cooked beetroot. We will also cover how to store beetroot after harvest, and provide alternative storage options for those without access to a fridge.
By following these research-backed tips, you’ll learn how to keep beetroot fresh, whether you’re storing it for immediate use or long-term preservation.
Table of Contents
Why Proper Storage is Crucial
Beetroot is a powerhouse of nutrients, including folate, manganese, potassium, and antioxidants like betalains. Whether you’re adding it to salads, soups, juices, or smoothies, the health benefits of beetroot are numerous. However, improper storage can lead to spoilage, nutrient loss, and a reduce in flavor and texture.
Knowing how to store beetroot properly can prevent this from happening and ensure that your beetroot remains fresh and ready for use.
Correct storage not only preserves its taste and nutrients but also helps reduce food waste. Fresh beetroot can last for a considerable amount of time when stored properly, and cooked beetroot can be preserved for later use.
Additionally, if you have just harvested beetroot from your garden or farm, you will need specific storage methods to maintain its freshness and quality.
How to Store Fresh Beetroot
Fresh beetroot can be stored in a variety of ways, depending on your available resources. Let’s explore both the refrigerator and non-refrigerated methods.
In the Fridge
The fridge is one of the best places to store beetroot, as it slows down the degradation process and keeps the vegetable fresh for a longer period. Here’s how to store fresh beetroot in the fridge:
- Trim the Leaves and Roots: Beetroots come with long, leafy greens that can draw moisture away from the root, causing it to wilt faster. Trim the leaves, leaving about 2 inches of stem attached to the root. Don’t cut too close to the beetroot, as this can cause it to lose moisture and dry out.
- Store in a Perforated Plastic Bag: Place the dry and unwashed beetroot in a perforated plastic bag to allow air circulation. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold. Alternatively, you can store them in a produce drawer that is designed to maintain the ideal humidity for vegetables.
- Place in the Vegetable Drawer: The vegetable drawer in your fridge is the ideal location for storing fresh beetroot. The temperature should be around 32°F to 40°F, which helps maintain freshness for several days.
How Long Will It Last?
- Beetroots (the roots): When stored correctly in the fridge using the method above, they will remain firm and fresh for 1 to 2 weeks, and sometimes even longer.
- Beetroot Greens: They are much more delicate and should be used within 2 to 4 days for the best quality.
How to Store Beetroot Without a Fridge
Storing beetroot successfully without refrigeration requires replicating the cool, humid, and dark conditions of a root cellar. The goal is to keep them from drying out while preventing rot.
The Best Method: Using a Damp Medium
This is the most effective way to keep beetroot fresh for months.
- Prepare the Beetroot: Choose firm, unblemished beetroots. Do not wash them. Gently brush off any large clumps of dry soil. It is crucial to leave the root tip (taproot) intact and to trim the greens to about 3-4 cm of stem. This prevents “bleeding” and moisture loss.
- Prepare the Storage Medium: Find a suitable container like a wooden box, plastic tub, or bucket. You will need a moisture-retaining material such as sand, peat-free potting compost, or sawdust. The key is to get the moisture level right: it must be slightly damp but not wet. To test, squeeze a handful—it should hold its shape without dripping any water.
- Layer the Beetroot:
- Place a layer of the damp medium at the bottom of the container.
- Arrange the beetroots in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Cover them completely with more of the damp medium.
- You can repeat this process to create multiple layers.
- Choose the Right Location: Place the container in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. The ideal spots are:
- A root cellar
- An unheated garage or shed
- A very cool, dark cupboard under the stairs
- The temperature should be as consistent as possible, ideally between 0°C and 4°C.
Important Considerations:
- Avoid Moisture, Not Humidity: This is the critical correction. The storage area should be dry and well-ventilated to prevent stagnant, damp air. However, the immediate environment of the beetroot must be humid, which is provided by the damp sand or compost. This stops them from shrivelling.
- Regular Checks: Inspect your beetroot every few weeks. Remove any that have become soft or show signs of mold immediately to prevent it from spreading.
How Long Will It Keep?
- When stored correctly in a damp medium in ideal cool conditions, beetroot can last for 3 to 5 months.
- If simply placed in a cool, dark pantry without this method, they will dry out and shrivel much faster, lasting only 2 to 4 weeks.
How to Store Beetroot After Harvest
Harvesting your beetroot is just the beginning of the process. Proper post-harvest care can help maintain its quality for months. Here’s how to store beetroot after harvesting:
Post-Harvest Tips
- Avoid Washing Immediately: After harvesting, avoid washing the beetroot. Washing can introduce moisture, which leads to mold and rot. Instead, gently brush off any excess soil.
- Trim the Leaves: Be sure to trim the beetroot greens to about 1 inch above the root. The greens draw moisture from the root, causing it to deteriorate quicker. Be careful not to damage the roots during trimming.
- Curing: Before long-term storage, beetroot should be cured. Place the trimmed beetroot in a cool, dry place for 7 to 10 days. The curing process allows the beetroot to harden its skin, preventing spoilage and moisture loss. The curing area should have good airflow, ideally with temperatures around 50°F to 60°F.
Long-Term Storage
Once the beetroot has cured, it’s time to store it for the long term:
- Use a Root Cellar or Cool Storage: After curing, beetroot can be stored in a root cellar, garage, or another cool, dark space. It’s best to keep beetroot at temperatures between 32°F and 40°F and humidity levels between 90% and 95%.
- Use Sand, Sawdust, or Peat: Similar to storing beetroot without refrigeration, place the cured beetroot in a box with sand, sawdust, or peat. This helps retain moisture and ensures the beetroot doesn’t dry out while in storage.
How Long Will It Last?
When properly cured and stored, beetroot can last for up to 6 months. This makes it an excellent vegetable for long-term storage, especially in the winter months.
How to Store Cooked Beetroot
Once beetroot has been cooked, it must be stored properly to ensure it remains safe and tasty for later use. Here’s how to store cooked beetroot:
In the Fridge
- Cool Down Before Storing: Let the beetroot cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. Avoid placing hot food directly in the fridge, as this can raise the temperature inside and affect other foods.
- Store in Airtight Containers: Place cooked beetroot in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Be sure to seal the container tightly.
How Long Will It Last?
Cooked beetroot can last 5–7 days in the fridge when stored in airtight containers.
Freezing Cooked Beetroot
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Here’s how to freeze cooked beetroot:
- Blanch the Beetroot: If the beetroot is raw, blanch it by boiling it for 10-15 minutes. After blanching, cool the beetroot quickly in ice water.
- Peel and Slice: Once cooled, peel the beetroot and slice or cube it.
- Freeze in Freezer Bags: Store the prepared beetroot in freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
How Long Will It Last?
Frozen cooked beetroot can last for up to 1 Year but some suggest 3 to 6 months.
Reheating Tips
To reheat frozen cooked beetroot, thaw it overnight in the fridge or microwave it directly from the freezer. It’s perfect for adding to soups, salads, or as a side dish.
Conclusion
Knowing how to store beetroot correctly is essential for maintaining its flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Whether you’re storing fresh beetroot in the fridge, preserving it without refrigeration, or storing cooked beetroot for later use, following the right techniques will ensure you enjoy this nutrient-rich vegetable for weeks or months.
Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your storage needs, and enjoy the full benefits of beetroot, whether fresh, cooked, or preserved for future meals.
Read our article about beetroot leaves turning yellow