Cooked beets are made by boiling whole beets in a large amount of water. The high heat breaks down the cell walls, releasing the beet’s natural sugars and juices. The cooked beets are then cooled and pureed with a food processor to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
The cooked beet is often used as an ingredient in various recipes or dishes. It is also often served as an appetizer or side dish. One popular dish that includes cooked beets as the main ingredient is carrot and beet soup.
After enjoying a delicious meal, you may end up with some leftovers of cooked beets. This will make you wonder if cooked beets go bad and how long they will last.
Do Cooked Beets Go Bad?
Yes, cooked beets do go bad. Once it is cooked, the beets will need to be stored properly to prevent them from deteriorating any further.
The spoilage process of cooked beets is caused by the growth of bacteria or mold. The bacteria cause the beetroot cells to break down and release enzymes that change the color of cooked beet from purple to brown.
The mold grows on the surface of cooked beets and causes them to appear fuzzy or grayish in color.
To prevent the beets from going bad, you will need to store them in the fridge or freezer. Placing cooked beets in freezer bags that are partly filled with water will slow down the process of going bad.
How Long Does Cooked Beets Last?
Depending on the temperature and where it is stored, the length of time that cooked beets last can vary.
Fresh cooked beets can last up to three days in the refrigerator without losing their fresh taste.
However, cooked beets will start to slowly deteriorate in quality.
Another option you have to keep them fresh longer is to store them in the freezer. Properly stored, cooked beets will last for about 6 months in the freezer.
How to Store Cooked Beets
Beets are a vegetable that has a short shelf life. Once the root vegetable is cooked, it will last for only a couple of days.
Beets can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Keep the cooked beets stored in an airtight container. This will prevent air from leaking in and drying out the beets.
Another option for storage is to freeze the cooked beets. Keep them stored in a freezer bag or an airtight container.
If using a freezer bag, make sure to press the bag to expel any excess air before sealing.
How to Tell If Cooked Beets Are Bad?
Beets are root vegetables that can be cooked in ways to make them sweet and delicious.
However, if cooked beets start to spoil, then they could cause foodborne illness.
It is important to know how to tell if cooked beets are bad. Several signs of spoiled beet can be identified.
Start to give off a bad smell. The smell of rotten beets can be described as a sweet smell mixed with a musty smell.
Changes color. The color of spoiled beet will also change from bright red to purple with greyish-white patches.
Change texture. Cooked beets will start to become soft and slimy when they go bad.
How To Keep Cooked Beets Fresh Longer
Beets are an incredibly versatile vegetable that is perfect for many dishes, but people still have questions about how to keep them fresh for a longer time.
It’s best to keep cooked beets stored in an airtight container and refrigerate them. Keeping cooked beets in their cooking liquid is also a good way to keep them fresh longer.
Some other ways of keeping beets fresh and flavorful are by using vinegar or lemon juice while they cook.
Related Questions
Can spoiled cooked beets make you sick?
Once the cooked beets go bad, they will most likely be contaminated with harmful bacteria and mold.
The beets themselves won’t make you sick, but the bacteria and mold that’s on the root vegetable are what will make you sick.
If you start to see mold and the beets don’t smell fresh, it’s best to throw them away to prevent food poisoning.