Beets are a root vegetable that is often used in salads, side dishes, and desserts. The beets have a distinctive taste that is earthy and sweet. They can be boiled, steamed, or roasted to preserve their color and flavor.
They are perfect for making a healthy salad because they add a nice balance to the dressing. Just slice them up into thin rounds or half-moon shapes and then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, or lime juice. You can also mix them with other vegetables like carrots and cucumbers for an even healthier option.
Like all foods, beets will eventually start to go bad. Therefore, you may wonder how long beets last.
How Long Do Beets Last?
There are many factors that determine how long beets last, such as the type of beet, the temperature at which it is stored, and how it is stored.
If you plan on eating your beets within a week or two, they can be stored in a fridge for up to two weeks.
However, if you plan on eating them after that time period, they should be frozen and kept in a freezer for up to six months. Beets should not be washed before storage because doing so will remove their natural protective coating and leave them more susceptible to contamination.
Do Beets Go Bad?
Like most other vegetables, beets do go bad. The beets will usually go bad due to being stored for too long or improper storage.
When the root vegetable is stored for too long, it will start to deteriorate.
Another way beets go bad is when it isn’t stored properly. After the beets have been harvested, they will start going bad. The reason for this is that beets contain a lot of moisture.
How To Tell When Beets Are Bad?
Beets are an amazing vegetable to eat. They can be eaten in various ways, such as roasted, boiled, fried, and pickled.
However, it is important to know when they are bad so that you do not harm your body by eating them in this condition.
Here are the signs that you should look for when determining if beets are bad:
– The skin is slimy or sticky
– The beet emits a foul smell or its skin appears off-color
– The beet feels soft when squeezed
– Beet leaves that may be wilting, yellowing, and drying up
– Fungal growth on the beet leaves and roots
-Beets show dark spots
If you notice any of the signs above, it’s best to discard the beets.
How To Store Beets
When storing beets, it is important to wrap them tightly in paper bags or plastic bags before refrigerating them. This will not only help preserve freshness but also prevent the beet greens from wilting and browning.
Storing At Room Temperature
Storing beet at room temperature is a good way to save space in your fridge.
To store beets at room temperature, cut off the leaves and discard them. Cut off the beet tops and trim off any thin roots. Place the beets on a paper towel or kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture before storing them in a plastic bag that is free of holes or tears.
Place the beets in a perforated plastic bag with an apple or two to maintain the moisture level.
Storing In The Refrigerator
If you need to keep the root vegetable fresh for a longer period of time, you can store them in the refrigerator. Beets should be stored in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to 10 days.
In order to store beet in the refrigerator, it is important to make sure that the beet is clean and dry before storing them. Leaving a wet or dirty beet on a shelf will increase the risk of mold growing on it.
Beets should also not be stored for too long in the refrigerator as they will start losing their flavor and nutrients.
How To Keep Beets Fresh Longer
The lifespan of beets depends on how you store them. Beets can last for up to three weeks when stored in the refrigerator. But if not stored properly, beets will lose their freshness and should be disposed of after 3 days.
Following are some tips for storing beets to ensure they last longer:
– Store them in a plastic bag or container with a damp paper towel inside it to keep the moisture in
– Keep the beetroots covered while storing
– Do not wash or cut off any beet tops before storage
– Keep them away from produce that gives off ethylene gas like bananas and apples
Related Questions
Do packaged beets go bad?
Packaged beets usually have a “use by” date on the package, which you should use to determine whether or not they have gone bad. A beet’s freshness is also determined by its color, so if it turns brown after being cut open or has white spots on it then it is likely that it has gone bad.