Beets are a great addition to any meal, but figuring out how long cooked beets last can be tricky.
If you have a full bag of beets from the farmer's market or your local grocery store and are unsure what to make with them or how long they'll last, here's a guide!
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The general rule of thumb is that cooked beets can last up to 1 week in the fridge when stored properly. But sometimes, the rotting process starts early, and you will notice signs of spoilage just after a couple of days.
If you plan on keeping them longer, freezing them is your best option.
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How long do beets last?
The shelf life of beets is about one week. After buying raw beets, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for storing beets is between 45-50°F (7-10°C).
You can place them in the refrigerator, and they will last up to 3 weeks if stored in a plastic bag or sealed container.
Sometimes, you will get the beets without green tops as well. In the refrigerator, these beets stay good for 5-6 days.
If you plan on using them for later use, freezing beets is the best option. You can freeze them for up to 6 months, and they will still have great flavor when thawed.
On the other hand, cooked beets and beet greens will last in the fridge for up to one week or for 4-5 days if cut.
To keep track of your cooked beets, be sure to date and label them before storing them. More importantly, bring the cooked beets to room temperature before placing them in the fridge.
How to buy fresh beets?
To get the best quality red beets, you should pick ones with the strongest color. The tops of beets should be bright green and firm.
Avoid soft spots or cuts, as they will not last long once cooked. Smaller beets are usually sweeter and more tender than larger ones.
So, if you are preparing a sweet dish, look for the smaller ones.
How to cook beets?
There are different ways of cooking beets! They can be boiled, air-fried, roasted, steamed, pickled, or raw.
Cooking in an Instant Pot is the simplest way to cook them and requires the least time.
How to use beets
Whole beets go well with many dishes and can add a unique flavor when cooked correctly.
Beets roasted with olive oil go great with salads, air-fried beets add a crunchy texture to sandwiches, and boiled beets make a great addition to smoothies and curries.
Beets can also provide color when served as a side dish for dinner or lunch. Sliced beets pickled in vinegar are great in salads or burgers. I have also shared a fan-favorite recipe for air-fried beets!
How to tell if beets are spoiled or bad
- Like another root vegetable, discard the beets immediately if you notice any changes in color or texture.
- Soft spots and color changes indicate they are no longer safe to consume.
- If the beets have an off smell or slimy texture when you cook them, this is another indication that it's time to throw them out.
- If you see molds or off smell, then discard it.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry regarding food safety.
Whole beets can be a great addition to any meal and have numerous health benefits.
Just remember to store them properly and pay attention to their expiry dates.
How to store cooked beets
The best way to store the Cooked beets is in the fridge. To store them, place them in an airtight container or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator.
Make sure to remove any excess liquid before you put them into a container.
I usually wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag before placing them in the fridge to make them last longer periods of time.
If you plan on using the cooked beets later on, freezing is the best option.
To freeze them, place the cooked beets in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag (ziploc bag) before putting them in the freezer.
This will ensure that you can access cooked beets any time of the year!
My beets recipes
I have a few beet recipes that are easy, delicious, and nutritious. Check out here for my recent beet recipes!
Conclusion
Beets can be a great addition to any meal and have numerous health benefits. Just remember to store them properly and pay attention to their shelf life. With the right storage techniques, cooked beets can last up to one week in the fridge or six months in the freezer. Enjoy!
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