Do Beets Need To Be Refrigerated?
Refrigerating Beets: How Long They Last, How To Store Them, and More
The bright red root vegetable known as beetroot is a commonly used ingredient in a variety of European foods. Its vibrant color is what gives Russian Borscht soup its iconic dark magenta color. Known for its sweetness, the beetroot is also commonly used in side dishes, salads, and pickling. Do Beets Need To Be Refrigerated? Lets find out in this article.
Like any other type of produce, keeping beetroots fresh for as long as possible is important. Below are details on how to store beets, where they can be stored, how to properly store them, how long they last, and more.
Do Beets Need To Be Refrigerated?
Beets do not have to be refrigerated but they will last longer if stored in the fridge. They can simply be stored on the counter or in the pantry at room temperature as long as the area they are stored in is cool and dry. They can even be kept in a basement if that is an available option.
Can Beets Be Stored In The Freezer?
Beetroots can be stored in the freezer but it may require some preparation before they can be stored to preserve their flavor. However, freezing is one of the ways to make beets last the longest in storage.
How Long Do Beets Last In The Fridge?
Beets can last up to 2 months in the fridge. However, they are typically best within the first 10 days of storage. Freshness can be determined by how firm the beetroots are. How they are stored within the fridge does not typically have any significant impact on how long they last in storage.
How Long Do Beets Last In The Freezer?
Beetroot can last up to a year in the freezer, making it one of the best ways to store beets for a significant amount of time. It will require some preparation before going into the freezer to help them last as long as possible and to help keep them flavorful for months to come.
How Long Do Beets Last On The Counter
Beetroots typically only last for a few days on the counter but can sometimes last up to 1 month. Avoid washing it to help them last longer for storage on the counter or in the pantry.
How To Properly Store Beets So They Last Longer In The Fridge
Beetroots should be stored either in the crisper drawer or in an airtight container. It is important to avoid washing the beets before putting them in the fridge as the extra moisture can cause them to go bad faster. The stem should also be cut off, leaving 1 to 2 inches of the stem leftover.
If the beets become soft, they should be discarded. If only 1 beet goes bad, the rest can still be kept as long as the rotten beetroot is discarded as soon as possible.
How To Properly Store Beets In The Freezer
Freezing beetroots requires some preparation ahead of time as beets cannot simply be put inside of the freezer as they naturally are. Beets require blanching ahead of time to preserve their flavor and their nutritional value.
To blanch beets, remove the leaves and wipe off any soil or dirt on the outside of the beets. Put them in gently boiling water for 30 minutes with the lid on top of the pot. Once the 30 minutes are up, put them in an ice bath. Once they are cool, peel the skin off and cut them into chunks. The pieces can then be put in a freezer bag and placed in the freezer.
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How To Properly Store Beets On The Counter
Storing beats at room temperature is similar to putting them in the fridge. Avoid washing them to prevent extra moisture from making them go bad sooner. They can be placed either as is in the open air or in a bag. If stored in a bag, be sure to squeeze out any excess air.
To help beets store longer on the counter, make sure they are in a cool and dry place. Similar to the idea of not washing beetroots to prevent extra moisture, storing them in a dry area will also prevent extra moisture so the beets can last longer.
