Beetroot is in season from May to October in the UK, and its roots are at their sweetest and most tender during the summer months. Its vibrant colour and distinctive flavour make it a marvel when you get it fresh from a market or supermarket, but it will spoil quickly without the right storage method. Similar to other root vegetables, beetroot tends to become wrinkled and soft, creating a rather unappetizing appearance.
Yet it’s incredibly simple to avoid with straightforward storage techniques. Charles Haverfield, CEO of US Packaging & Wrapping, shares his foolproof approach to maintaining all varieties of beetroot fresh for as long as possible. He explained: “Beetroot skin can wrinkle due to moisture loss and exposure to air. When beetroot loses moisture, its outer layer shrivels, resulting in wrinkled skin.”
This is why beetroot is best stored in a cool, humid environment with minimal air exposure, like the fridge.
Charles added: “It’s true that cooked beetroot is best stored in the refrigerator, preferably in the vegetable drawer.
“This area maintains slightly higher temperatures and optimal humidity levels, which help preserve the beetroot’s moisture content and prevent it from turning wrinkly.”
However, you shouldn’t just leave them in a bowl or plate in the fridge. The best way to store your beets is to vacuum seal them.
“By removing all air, there is less chance of bacteria growth, which can spoil your beets”, said Charles.
Should vacuum sealing prove impossible once the original packaging has been opened, Charles suggested moving the vegetables to an improved container.
He concluded: “While keeping beets in the original packaging may offer some protection, you’re better off switching your packaging to prolong the shelf life.”
While the shelf life of beetroot varies depending on how it’s stored, with the right method, it can last for months.
Cooked beetroot can be kept in the fridge for up to three days, but Charles notes: “If you don’t think you’ll eat your beetroots before then, you can also pop them in the freezer in a sealed container or freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to eight months.”
When it comes to raw beetroots, which are sold whole with the stalks still attached, a different approach is required for their longevity.
The storage professional explained: “Unlike cooked beets, which are best stored in air-tight packaging, raw beetroot can be stored without any additional packaging.
“Storing them unwashed and uncut maintains their natural protective coating, which helps prevent moisture loss and spoilage.
“Beets should be stored in a cool, dark place with proper ventilation, such as a root cellar or the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.”