How To Store Beetroot

Store Beetroot

A beetroot is a vegetable that is filled with so many nutrients and it has a vibrant colour which is very appealing to see. However, the problem with this vegetable is that it tends to soften up when stored the wrong, and this causes it to lose most of its flavour and texture. Below are a few methods on how to store beetroot. These methods are highly recommended as they help to preserve the texture and flavour of the beetroots.

Contents

How to prepare the beetroot for storage

NB: Before storing your beetroots there are a few steps that you need to take. These steps will help to extend the shelf life of your beetroots.

Step 1

Start by removing the greens from the beetroot. You can cut them with a scissor or a knife. The reason why you need to cut them is because they accelerate the ripening process of the beetroot. Meaning if you leave them they will cause the beetroot to rot faster. When cutting the leaves you should only leave about 2 inches of the stem attached to the beetroot so that bleeding does not occur.

Step 2

Once you have cut off the green leaves the next thing is to remove any excess soil from the beetroot but make sure you do not wash the beetroot. This is because it has layer that protects it, so by washing it you will actually be removing it. Furthermore, if you remove the layer this will compromise the shelf life of the beetroot. When you have followed all these steps it will be time to store your beetroots. Here are the available options of how to store beetroot.

Store beetroot in the fridge

This is actually one of the most common ways of storing beetroot. In order to store your beetroot simply place it in a plastic storage bag and take out as much air as possible from the plastic bag. If you have a vacuum sealer, then use it. When you have finished place the beetroot in the crisp drawer of your fridge. It can last for about 2 to 3 weeks.

Store beetroot in the freezer

NB: this method requires you to cook the beetroots first before storing them. This is because raw beetroots tend to lose their texture and flavour when stored directly in the freezer.

Step 1

To store your beetroots start by placing the beetroot in salted boiling water. Leave them to cook for about 20 to 40 minutes depending on how many beetroots you are preparing.

Step 2

When the beetroots are done you should be able to press them with a fork, meaning they need to be tender. Transfer them into a cold bath and let them cool for some minutes. When you are satisfied with their temperature take them out of the water and peel off the skins.

Step 3

When you have removed the skins cut the beetroot into small pieces of your choice. When cutting the beetroots make sure you use a dark plastic cutting board as well as towels in order to avoid staining anything with the juices from the beetroot.

Step 4

Place the cut beetroots into freezer bags and label them with the date in which you are storing them in the freezer. This will help you to recall on when they are likely to turn bad. Beetroot that is stored in the freezer using this method can last for about 8 months to1 year.

Store beetroot in root cellar

Beetroots can be stored in a root cellar and they will be able to retain their texture as well as flavour. A root cellar is a structure that is usually underground or partially underground and is commonly used for storing vegetables, fruits, nuts and other things. If you are some who grows beetroots in your garden then this is a good thing to have. This is because it provides a cool and dark environment which is perfect for storing beetroots and other vegetables.

Step 1

To store the beetroots in the root cellar simply take a bucket and fill it damp sand or sawdust. Place the beetroots inside and cover them. Make sure that the beetroots are not overcrowded or touching each other in the bucket.

Step 2

The next step is to cover the bucket with a lid. This will help to keep moisture inside but, leave it a bit loose so that air can circulate.

Step 3

Keep the sawdust or sand moist at all times and check them from time to time. If you notice that one beetroot is turning bad simply remove it from the batch. This is because one bad beetroot can actually spoil the whole batch. Beetroots that are stored using these method can last for up to 3 months.

How to use beet greens

Beetroot contains green leaves which are removed during the preparation stage. However, these leaves should not be thrown away as they can be used for a number of things. The leaves are often referred to as beet greens. You can use the beet greens in place of spinach and also you can use them when making salads. Beet leaves are packed with a number of nutrients and vitamins that are needed by the body. Therefore each time you by beetroots do not throw them away.

How to store beet greens

Beet greens have a tendency of turning bad when left at room temperature for a very long time. Therefore, in order to preserve them you have to place them in the fridge. To do this simply wash the leaves and let them dry. Place them in a Ziploc bag and transfer it into the fridge. They can last for about 5 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

It is easy to store beetroots in your house especially when using the methods highlighted above. When cooking your beetroots remember that they have the potential to stain things. Therefore you need to prepare them carefully so that they do not leave any stains behind.

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