Bright, earthy and sweet, beets are a welcome addition to many recipes in the kitchen.
Choose beets that are firm and have unblemished skin with no cuts.
(Beets with blemishes may spoil more quickly.)
Photo: Helen Norman
If the beet greens are still attached, look for greens that are fresh.
While they may droop a bit, you should avoid any with damage or discoloration.
Cut off the greens, leaving about 1 inch of the stemnow your fresh beets are ready for storage.
Place beets in a sealable plastic bag.
Press out any excess air before sealing.
Store the beets in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Pick the coldest part of your fridge.
How Long Can You Store Raw Beets?
it’s possible for you to store raw beets for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Before using, be sure to gently rinse the beets with water.
You could also use a vegetable brush to scrub any dirt off.
Avoid rinsing beets before storing, as excess water may cause them to shrink and shrivel.
How to Store Beet Greens
Storing beet greens is very similar to storing the roots.
However, beet greens have a much shorter life span than their earthy counterpart.
Beet greens can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Wash beet greens right before using.
Place beet greens in a plastic bag.
Press to remove any excess air before sealing.
Store in the crisper drawer or coldest part of your fridge for up to two days.
How to Freeze Beets
If you’re wanting a long-term storage solution, you may freeze beets.
Here’s how to freeze beets:
1.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Remove from water and let cool.
Once cool enough to touch, peel off the skin.
Dice or slice the beets to the desired size.
Place the beets on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet.
Transfer the frozen beets to an airtight sealable container and store in the freezer.
Freeze beets for up to eight months.
The Bottom Line
Always store beets and beet greens separately, as they have different life spans.
When you’re ready to use them, learnhow to cook beetsfor use in salads, sides and more.
And check out ourbest beet recipesfor delicious inspiration.
