Have you bought a few too many beets and aren’t sure what to look for when they go bad? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one who overspends when they spot a good deal at the market.
Perhaps you’re unsure whether to store your beets in the refrigerator or in a cupboard basket. Or whether it is even possible to leave them at room temperature for more than a day or two.
Maybe you’ve had your beets for a week or two and want to know how long they’ll keep.
If you want to understand more about beet storage, shelf life, and spoiling, this tutorial is for you.
Here’s all you need to know about beet shelf life and spoiling. Learn how long fresh and cooked beets survive and how to identify whether they’re still edible.
How to Keep Beets at Home?
Refrigerate your beets in a vented bag in the veggie drawer. Trim the greens before putting them in. Cooked beets and any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Beets like cold storage (32-40°F or 0-5°C) and wet storage (90 to 95 percent relative humidity). While the crisper drawer isn’t the coldest spot in the fridge, it is the dampest, which is why it’s the best option.
But, before you chill your beets, cut the greens to about half an inch. In stores, the greens are frequently already trimmed to improve the shelf life of beets, so this may already be done for you.
If you wish to utilize the greens, which are completely okay to consume, keep them separate. They will take moisture from the root otherwise.
A perforated plastic bag is probably the best solution for preserving these root vegetables as it aids in moisture retention but does not trap water. If you don’t have one, punch some holes in your existing one or leave the top open.
You may store your beets in a root cellar or an unheated garage that maintains a moderately low temperature. They won’t last as long as they would in the fridge, but it’s better than leaving them in the kitchen cabinet.
Is it necessary to keep beets refrigerated? Technically, the answer is no. Beets can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but that’s about it. If you need them to last longer, put them in the fridge.
How to Select the Finest Beets Available?
- Choose beets with fresh greens if they still have the greens attached. Wilted greens indicate that the beets are getting old.
- If there are no greens, check to see if the bulbs are firm to the touch. Soft bulbs with wrinkled skin indicate outdated beets that will only live a few days.
- Choose beets with a diameter of fewer than 3 inches. Larger ones are frequently fibrous and woody, neither providing a pleasant eating experience.
What Is The Shelf Life Of beets?
If you refrigerate them without the greens, fresh beets will last approximately two weeks. If you leave the greens on, it will take a few days shorter. If you leave them at room temperature, they will only last 3 to 5 days before they begin to lose quality.
In other words, keeping beets in a kitchen cupboard works best if you expect to use them within a few days. Otherwise, it’s better to place them in the refrigerator.
If your beets have been sitting in the vegetable department of the shop for a day or two, they will begin to deteriorate sooner. That’s why it’s important to select the finest beets available, that are firm to the touch and have good, fresh greens (provided they haven’t been chopped off).
How Long Will Cooked Beets Keep In The Fridge?
Cooked beets keep in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 days before going bad if stored correctly and in normal conditions.
We recommend that you avoid eating cooked beets that have been in the fridge for longer than three days, because they are no longer beneficial to your health.
Old beets can cause stomach pains and make you spend the entire day in the restroom.
If you require storing them longer than 3 to 4 days, try freezing the meal. While freezing any beet salad would almost certainly end in a catastrophe (in terms of quality), foods such as beet patties or simple roasted beets should be OK.
How Long Do Canned Beets Last After Opening?
If you store canned beets carefully, they will last in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 days after opening.
If stored correctly, unsealed canned beets can be kept for 1 to 7 months before turning bad.
Also, once opened, canned beets can be kept on the counter for 1 to 2 days before turning bad if stored correctly.
Open canned beets have a shorter shelf life than closed canned beets. When opened, the beets come into contact with the surroundings, making them go bad quickly and not remain for long.
We recommend that when you open canned beets, finish them all at once or freeze them for more extended storage and freshness.
Please do not keep opened canned beets on the counter since they will spoil quickly.
How Long Do Beets Stay Good At Room Temperature?
Beets can stay good for about two to three weeks at room temperature or on the counter if they are kept in the right conditions.
Leaving the beets on the counter without washing them helps them last longer.
It will keep this incredible vegetable safe on the counter for a long time.
How Long Can You Keep Beets In The Freezer?
If you store beets correctly in their ideal conditions in the freezer, you can keep them for 8 to 12 months before going bad.
The best way to keep beets in the freezer is by making beet ice cubes. This makes it easier and faster to make a dish or beet juice and keeps it fresh for a year, so you don’t have to worry about going to the grocery store or farmers’ market whenever you need beets for your dish.
How Long Do Pickled Beets Keep In The Refrigerator?
Opened pickled beets can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks before going bad if stored correctly in the right circumstances.
Unopened pickled beets can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months before going bad if stored correctly.
When these amazing vegetables are pickled, they survive far longer than you may believe.
How Can You Tell If Your Beets Are Bad?
Dispose of your beets if:
- Cooked beets include mold or fuzziness, which is self-explanatory.
- Cooked beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; still, leftovers do not last indefinitely. Even if they appear to be fine after five days, throw them out.
- Fresh beets begin to rot or mold. You can chop out a tiny, poor place, but if the problem has already expanded and taken over, it’s time to get rid of those root vegetables.
- They’re soft, shriveled, or have very wrinkled skin. Beets have lost a lot of water, and cutting or shredding them will be difficult. You can still eat them if they’re only slightly softer.
Vegetable spoilage isn’t rocket science, as the signs above are easy to track.
It’s up to you whether you chop off a third of a rotting beet or throw it away. The same goes for beets with wrinkled and delicate skins.
In such instances, stick to what you’re familiar with. If you’re not excited about those old soft beets, it’s best to dispose of them.
Conclusion
Beets may be stored in the crisper drawer for 2 to 4 weeks in a vented bag. Cooked beets should be tightly packed and refrigerated for no more than 5 days.
If you want to consume the fresh beets within a few days, leave them at room temperature.