How to Store Beetroot

Beetroot is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. To make the most of its vibrant flavor and health benefits, proper storage is essential. Whether you’ve harvested fresh beetroot from your garden or purchased some from the market, storing it correctly ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to store beetroot!

Nutritional Benefits of Beetroot

Beetroot is not only delicious but also packed with a variety of nutrients that make it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. It is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, manganese, and potassium. The vibrant red hue of beetroot comes from natural plant compounds called betalains, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, beetroot is high in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and supporting gut health. One of its most notable benefits is its ability to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, thanks to the nitrates it contains. Adding beetroot to your meals is an easy and tasty way to enhance your overall health!

Importance of Proper Beetroot Storage

Proper storage of beetroot is crucial to preserve its taste, texture, and nutritional value. When stored correctly, beetroot can last for weeks, reducing food waste and ensuring you always have a healthy ingredient on hand. Improper storage, on the other hand, can lead to spoilage, loss of essential vitamins, and a decline in quality, making the beetroot less enjoyable to eat. Additionally, maintaining the freshness of beetroot allows you to incorporate it into a wide range of recipes, supporting a balanced and nutritious diet. By following proper storage methods, you can maximize the shelf life of your beetroot and savor its full potential.

10 Methods How to Store Beetroot

1. Store Raw Beets in a Refrigerator Crisper Drawer

One of the simplest and most accessible ways to store beetroot is in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Begin by trimming the beet greens to about an inch above the root, as the leafy tops can draw moisture and nutrients away from the beetroot itself, causing it to shrivel faster.

Do not wash the beets before storing, as excess moisture can lead to rot. Instead, gently brush off any dirt. Place the unwashed roots in a perforated plastic bag or wrap loosely in a damp paper towel, then store in the crisper drawer where the humidity is higher. This method can keep beets fresh for up to two to three weeks, making it perfect for short-term storage.

2. Store Beet Greens Separately and Use Quickly

If you want to preserve both the beetroot and its nutritious greens, it’s best to store them separately. The beet greens are highly perishable and should ideally be used within a couple of days. Wrap the greens loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their moisture without making them soggy. Using beet greens soon after purchase or harvest ensures they retain their delicate texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy nutritious salads, sautés, or smoothies.

3. Cure Beets Before Long-Term Storage in a Root Cellar

For long-term storage, especially if you have a root cellar or a cool, dark basement, curing your beets first is a traditional and effective method. After harvesting, gently brush off dirt but do not wash them. Lay the beets in a single layer in a cool, humid place around 50-60°F (10-15°C) with about 85-90% humidity for 7 to 10 days. This curing process helps heal minor cuts and toughen the skin, reducing moisture loss and spoilage. Once cured, place the beets in a ventilated box with moist sand, sawdust, or peat moss, keeping them at 32-40°F (0-4°C). Under these conditions, beets can store well for several months.

4. Refrigerate Cooked Beets in an Airtight Container

If you have pre-cooked beets, storage becomes simpler but requires airtight conditions to preserve flavor and texture. After cooking, allow the beets to cool to room temperature, then peel and place them in a clean, airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store the container in the refrigerator, where cooked beets will remain good for up to a week. This method is perfect for meal prepping or for those who enjoy beet salads or pickled beets and want to keep them ready to use.

5. Freeze Cooked or Raw Beets for Extended Storage

Freezing is an excellent way to store beetroot for several months. Before freezing, beets must be prepared properly to retain their color and flavor. For raw beets, start by washing and peeling, then blanch them in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes to halt enzyme activity, followed by rapid cooling in ice water. Drain thoroughly and pack the beets in airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Cooked beets can also be frozen after cooling, similarly packed in airtight containers. When frozen, beets can last up to 12 months. While the texture may soften upon thawing, they remain excellent for cooking, purees, and soups.

6. Store Beets in Moist Sand or Sawdust in a Cool Environment

If you don’t have access to a root cellar but want to mimic its conditions, using moist sand or sawdust in a container or crate is a great alternative for storing raw beets. After trimming the greens and curing the beets, place them upright or laid flat in a box filled with slightly damp sand or sawdust, which helps maintain humidity and prevents dehydration. Store this container in a cool basement, garage, or unheated room where temperatures stay consistently cool but above freezing. This method extends the shelf life of beets for months and keeps them fresh for winter use.

7. Pickle Beets for Flavorful, Long-Term Storage

Pickling beets not only preserves them but also enhances their flavor with tangy spices and vinegar. To pickle beets, cook them thoroughly, peel, and slice or cube as desired. Prepare a pickling brine of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices, then pack the beets into sterilized jars and pour the hot brine over them. Seal the jars and allow them to cool before storing them in the refrigerator for quick use or process them in a hot water bath for shelf-stable storage. Pickled beets can last for several months in the fridge or up to a year on the shelf, making this method both practical and delicious.

8. Dehydrate Beetroot Slices for Storage as Chips or Powder

Dehydration is a lesser-known but effective method for storing beets while creating a convenient snack or cooking ingredient. Slice raw beets thinly and evenly, then arrange them on a dehydrator tray. Dry at around 125°F (52°C) for 8-12 hours or until crisp. Store the dehydrated beet chips in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, grind the dried slices into powder for use as a natural food coloring or nutritional boost in smoothies, soups, and baked goods. Dehydrated beets can last up to a year if stored properly.

9. Store Beets in Vacuum-Sealed Bags

Vacuum sealing raw or cooked beets removes air that accelerates spoilage and freezer burn, making it a premium storage method. After preparing the beets (washing, peeling, cooking if desired), place them in vacuum-seal bags, then use a vacuum sealer to extract air and seal tightly. For raw beets, vacuum sealing before refrigeration can extend freshness by a week or more. For freezing, vacuum sealing significantly improves the shelf life and quality retention of the beets for up to a year. This method is especially useful for preserving bulk purchases or garden harvests.

10. Use Beetroot in Fermentation for Probiotic Benefits

Fermenting beets is a traditional preservation method that also creates a flavorful, probiotic-rich food. To ferment beets, slice or cube raw beets and pack them tightly into a sterilized fermentation jar. Prepare a brine with salt and water, pour it over the beets to cover completely, and weigh them down to prevent exposure to air. Seal loosely or use an airlock lid to allow gases to escape. Leave the jar at room temperature for several days to weeks, tasting regularly until the desired sourness is achieved. Once fermented, store the jar in the refrigerator where the beets will last for months. This method not only stores beets but transforms them into a healthful condiment.

Conclusion

Storing beetroot properly ensures you enjoy their earthy sweetness and vibrant color well beyond the day of purchase or harvest. Whether you prefer quick refrigeration for immediate use or long-term storage techniques like curing, freezing, or fermentation, each method serves different needs and environments. From simple crisper drawer storage to sophisticated vacuum sealing and fermentation, understanding these ten detailed methods will empower you to preserve beets optimally, reduce waste, and enrich your meals throughout the seasons. With these methods, the humble beetroot can become a versatile and enduring staple in your kitchen. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to store beetroot!