Beets are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, but they can be quite perishable. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a busy home cook, you want to make the most of your beet harvest or purchase. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to store beets, keep them fresh, and enjoy them throughout the year.
Understanding Beet Storage
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of beet storage, it’s essential to understand the basics. Beets are a root vegetable, and like all root vegetables, they’re sensitive to temperature, humidity, and light. To keep beets fresh, you need to create an environment that mimics their natural habitat.
The Ideal Storage Conditions
Beets prefer:
- Cool temperatures: between 32°F (0°C) and 40°F (4°C)
- High humidity: 80-90%
- Low light: beets can tolerate some light, but direct sunlight can cause them to become bitter
Why Temperature Matters
Temperature plays a crucial role in beet storage. If beets are stored at room temperature (around 70°F/21°C), they’ll quickly become soft and develop off-flavors. On the other hand, if they’re stored at too low a temperature (below 32°F/0°C), they may become waterlogged and develop an unpleasant texture.
Short-Term Storage Solutions
If you’ve just harvested or purchased beets and want to keep them fresh for a few days, here are some short-term storage solutions:
The Refrigerator
The refrigerator is an excellent place to store beets for up to a week. Simply:
- Trim the leaves to about an inch (2.5 cm) from the crown
- Place the beets in a breathable bag or container
- Store them in the crisper drawer
The Root Cellar
If you have a root cellar or a cool, dark basement, you can store beets for several weeks. Make sure the area is:
- Cool: between 32°F (0°C) and 40°F (4°C)
- Humid: 80-90%
- Dark: beets can tolerate some light, but direct sunlight can cause them to become bitter
Using Sand or Sawdust
To keep beets fresh in a root cellar, you can store them in a container filled with sand or sawdust. This will help maintain humidity and keep the beets cool.
Long-Term Storage Solutions
If you want to enjoy beets throughout the year, you’ll need to consider long-term storage solutions. Here are a few options:
Canning
Canning is an excellent way to preserve beets for up to a year. You can can beets using a water bath canner or a pressure canner. Here’s a basic recipe for canning beets:
- Sterilize your jars and lids
- Pack the beets into the jars, leaving about an inch (2.5 cm) of headspace
- Add a brine solution (water, salt, and sometimes sugar)
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 30-40 minutes
Freezing
Freezing is another great way to preserve beets. You can freeze beets raw or cooked, but it’s essential to blanch them first to inactivate the enzymes that cause spoilage. Here’s a basic recipe for freezing beets:
- Blanch the beets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes
- Shock the beets in an ice bath to stop the cooking process
- Package the beets in airtight containers or freezer bags
- Store them in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below
Pickling
Pickling is a great way to preserve beets and add some flavor to your meals. You can pickle beets using a variety of spices and seasonings. Here’s a basic recipe for pickling beets:
- Slice the beets thinly
- Pack the beets into a jar, leaving about an inch (2.5 cm) of headspace
- Add a pickling solution (vinegar, salt, and sometimes sugar)
- Store the jar in the refrigerator
Dehydrating Beets
Dehydrating beets is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. You can dehydrate beets using a food dehydrator or your oven on the lowest temperature setting. Here’s a basic recipe for dehydrating beets:
- Slice the beets thinly
- Place the beets in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or a baking sheet
- Dehydrate the beets at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours
- Store the dehydrated beets in airtight containers
Beet Storage Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks for storing beets:
- Don’t wash the beets before storing them. Excess moisture can cause the beets to rot.
- Store beets in a breathable container. This will help maintain humidity and prevent the beets from becoming waterlogged.
- Keep beets away from strong-smelling foods. Beets can absorb odors from other foods, so it’s best to store them separately.
- Use the right variety. Some beet varieties are better suited for storage than others. Look for varieties like ‘Detroit Dark Red’ or ‘Chioggia’ for their excellent storage qualities.
| Storage Method | Storage Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Store in a breathable bag or container |
| Root Cellar | Several weeks | Store in a cool, dark place with high humidity |
| Canning | Up to 1 year | Use a water bath canner or pressure canner |
| Freezing | Up to 1 year | Blanch the beets before freezing |
| Pickling | Several months | Store in the refrigerator |
| Dehydrating | Up to 6 months | Store in airtight containers |
By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy beets throughout the year and make the most of your harvest or purchase. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a busy home cook, storing beets is easy and rewarding. So go ahead, beet it, and enjoy the sweet, earthy flavor of beets all year round!
How do I store beets to make them last longer?
To store beets and make them last longer, it’s essential to keep them cool and dry. Beets can be stored in the refrigerator, but they should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Remove any green tops from the beets, as they can absorb moisture and cause the beets to spoil faster. Place the beets in a breathable bag or container, such as a paper bag or a mesh produce bag.
When storing beets in the refrigerator, make sure they are not washed before storing. Excess moisture can cause the beets to rot, so it’s best to wash them just before using. Beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. If you want to store beets for longer, consider freezing or pickling them.
Can I freeze beets to enjoy them all year round?
Yes, beets can be frozen to enjoy them all year round. Freezing is a great way to preserve beets, as it helps to retain their flavor, texture, and nutrients. To freeze beets, start by washing and peeling them. Then, slice or chop the beets into desired sizes and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. After blanching, immediately submerge the beets in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Once the beets have cooled, place them in airtight containers or freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen beets can be stored for up to 8-10 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw the beets in the refrigerator or reheat them in a saucepan with a little water.
How do I pickle beets to make them last longer?
Pickling is another great way to preserve beets and make them last longer. To pickle beets, start by washing and peeling them. Then, slice the beets thinly and pack them into a clean glass jar. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices, and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the pickling liquid over the beets, making sure they are completely covered.
Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator, where they can be kept for up to 6 months. Pickled beets can be enjoyed as a side dish, added to salads, or used as a topping for sandwiches.
Can I can beets to enjoy them all year round?
Yes, beets can be canned to enjoy them all year round. Canning is a great way to preserve beets, as it helps to retain their flavor and nutrients. To can beets, start by washing and peeling them. Then, slice or chop the beets into desired sizes and pack them into clean, sterilized jars. Add a brine solution to the jars, making sure the beets are completely covered.
Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 30-40 minutes. Let the jars cool to room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place. Canned beets can be stored for up to 12 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply open the jar and heat the beets in a saucepan with a little water.
How do I dehydrate beets to make them last longer?
Dehydrating is another great way to preserve beets and make them last longer. To dehydrate beets, start by washing and peeling them. Then, slice the beets thinly and place them in a single layer on a dehydrator tray. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate the beets for 6-8 hours.
Once the beets are dry and leathery, remove them from the dehydrator and store them in airtight containers. Dehydrated beets can be stored for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply rehydrate the beets in water or broth.
Can I store beets in a root cellar to make them last longer?
Yes, beets can be stored in a root cellar to make them last longer. A root cellar is a cool, dark place that is ideal for storing root vegetables like beets. To store beets in a root cellar, start by removing any green tops from the beets. Then, place the beets in a breathable container, such as a paper bag or a mesh produce bag.
Store the beets in the root cellar, making sure they are kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal temperature for storing beets is between 32°F (0°C) and 40°F (4°C). Beets can be stored in a root cellar for up to 4-6 months.
How do I know if my stored beets have gone bad?
To determine if your stored beets have gone bad, check for signs of spoilage. Beets that have gone bad may develop mold, slime, or a sour smell. They may also become soft and mushy. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard the beets.
When checking for spoilage, make sure to inspect the beets carefully. Check for any visible signs of mold or slime, and give the beets a sniff to check for any off odors. If the beets seem fine, they can be safely consumed. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to discard the beets to avoid foodborne illness.