How to Store Beets After Harvest?

 

how to store beets

Storing beets after harvest is crucial to preserving their freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. Whether you're a gardener with a bountiful harvest or a consumer wanting to extend the life of your grocery purchase, knowing how to store beets properly is essential. This guide will walk you through various methods and tips for storing beets to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible.


Harvesting Beets


Before delving into storage techniques, it's essential to understand the ideal harvesting process. Beets are best harvested when they are about the length of a golf or tennis ball. This size ensures that the beets are tender and flavorful. Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the beets from the soil, being careful not to bruise them.


After harvesting, cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stem attached. This prevents the greens from drawing moisture out of the beetroot. The greens can be stored separately or used immediately in salads or sautéed dishes.


How to Store Fresh Beets: Short-Term Storage


For short-term storage (up to two weeks), fresh beets can be kept in the refrigerator. Here's how to do it:

Cleaning: Gently brush off any soil from the beets. Avoid washing them before storage, as moisture can promote mold growth.


Trimming: As mentioned, cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of stem attached. Do not trim the root tail.


Storage: Put the unwashed beets in a perforated bag or container with a cover. Store them in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. The relaxed, humid environment helps keep the beets fresh.


Humidity: To maintain optimal moisture, wrap the beets in a moist cloth or paper towel before placing them in the bag or container. This is especially useful if your refrigerator tends to be dry.


Long-Term Storage Options


For those looking to store beets for a more extended period, there are several methods to consider:


Root Cellar Storage


If you can access a root cellar, this traditional method is ideal for storing beets over several months.


  • Preparation: Brush off excess soil, trim the greens, and let the beets dry in a cool, dark place for a few hours.
  • Storage Conditions: Place the beets in a container filled with damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss. Ensure the container is well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.
  • Temperature and Humidity: Keep the root cellar between 32-40°F (0-4°C) and maintain high humidity (90-95%). This mimics the excellent, damp soil conditions in which beets thrive.


Refrigeration in Sand


A similar method can be used in your refrigerator for those without a root cellar.


  • Preparation: As with root cellar storage, brush off the soil and trim the greens.
  • Storage: Fill a large container with damp sand and bury the beets, leaving space between each beet to allow air circulation.
  • Temperature: Store the container in the refrigerator or a cold garage. This method helps keep the beets fresh for up to several months.


Freezing Beets


Freezing is another effective way to store beets, particularly if you plan to use them for cooking.


  • Preparation: Wash the beets thoroughly and cook them until tender. This can be done by boiling, steaming, or roasting.
  • Peeling: After cooking, let the beets cool, then peel off the skin. The skins should slip off easily.
  • Cutting: Slice or dice the beets into desired sizes.


Freezing: Place the beet pieces on the baking sheet in one layer and freeze till frozen. Once frozen, mark the beets in plastic bags or containers with the date. Frozen beets can last up to a year.


Canning Beets


Canning is a great way to store beets if you enjoy the flavor and convenience of ready-to-eat beets.


  • Preparation: Wash, trim, and cook the beets as the freezing method describes.
  • Packing: Pack the beets into sterilized canning jars, leaving an inch of headspace. You can add brine (water and salt) or pickle them with vinegar and spices.
  • Processing: Process the jars in a pressure canner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Properly canned beets can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year or more.


Tips for Storing Beets


Depending on how you store your beets, here are some more ways to keep them fresh and delicious:


  • Check Regularly: Inspect storage beets for breakdown symptoms, such as mold, soft areas, or shriveling. Remove any affected beets to prevent them from spoiling the rest.
  • Rotate Stock: Use older beets first and add freshly harvested or bought beets to the back of your storage to keep the rotation fresh.
  • Avoid Washing: As a general rule, avoid washing beets before storing them. Moisture can encourage mold growth and shorten their shelf life.


Conclusion


Properly storing fresh beets can significantly extend their usability, allowing you to enjoy their earthy sweetness throughout the year. Whether you opt for short-term refrigeration, long-term root cellar storage, freezing, or canning, each method is helpful and can be tailored to your needs. Following these guidelines, you can ensure your beets stay fresh and flavorful, ready to enhance your meals whenever needed.


Now that you know how to store beets effectively, you can make the most of your harvest and enjoy this versatile vegetable's health benefits and rich flavors long after the growing season has ended.

Location: United States

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