How To Store Beets: A Complete Guide
Beets are a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. However, to get the most out of your beets, it's important to know how to store them properly. In this article, we'll provide you with a complete guide on how to store beets so that they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Details
Choosing the right beets
When selecting beets at the grocery store or farmer's market, it's important to choose ones that are firm, smooth, and unblemished. Look for beets with bright green, fresh-looking leaves, as this is a sign that they are still very fresh. Avoid beets that are soft, wrinkled, or have mushy spots, as these are signs of spoilage.
Storing beets in the fridge
The best way to store beets is in the fridge. First, cut off the leaves and stems, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the beet. Then, wrap the beets in damp paper towels and place them in a plastic bag. Store the bag in the vegetable drawer of your fridge. Beets stored this way can last for up to 3 weeks.
Freezing beets
If you have more beets than you can use within a few weeks, you can freeze them for later use. First, wash and peel the beets, then cut them into small cubes or slices. Blanch the beets by boiling them for 3-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the beets and pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen beets can last for up to 8 months.
Using beets in recipes
Beets can be used in many different recipes, from salads and soups to roasted vegetable dishes and smoothies. To prepare beets for cooking, wash them well and cut off the leaves and stems. Then, peel the beets and cut them into the desired shape and size. Beets can be roasted, boiled, steamed, or even grilled.
Preserving beets
If you have a lot of beets and want to preserve them for future use, you can pickle them. First, wash and peel the beets, then cut them into small cubes or slices. Boil the beets in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices until they are tender. Pack the beets into sterilized jars and store them in the fridge. Pickled beets can last for up to 3 months.
Beet greens
Don't throw away the beet greens! They are a delicious and nutritious addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries. To store beet greens, remove them from the beets and wash them well. Then, dry them thoroughly and wrap them in damp paper towels. Store them in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 1 week.
FAQ
How long can beets last in the fridge?
Beets can last for up to 3 weeks in the fridge if stored properly.
Can you freeze beets?
Yes, you can freeze beets. Wash, peel, and cut the beets into small cubes or slices, blanch them, and pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen beets can last for up to 8 months.
What can you do with beet greens?
Beet greens can be used in salads, soups, and stir-fries. To store them, remove them from the beets, wash them well, dry them thoroughly, and wrap them in damp paper towels. Store them in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Can you pickle beets?
Yes, you can pickle beets. Wash and peel the beets, cut them into small cubes or slices, and boil them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices until they are tender. Pack the beets into sterilized jars and store them in the fridge for up to 3 months.
How do you prepare beets for cooking?
Wash the beets well, cut off the leaves and stems, and peel them. Then, cut the beets into the desired shape and size. Beets can be roasted, boiled, steamed, or grilled.
How can you tell if beets are fresh?
Fresh beets are firm, smooth, and unblemished. They have bright green leaves that look fresh and healthy. Avoid beets that are soft, wrinkled, or have mushy spots.
Can you eat raw beets?
Yes, you can eat raw beets. They are crunchy and slightly sweet, and can be grated or sliced thinly and used in salads or as a crunchy topping for sandwiches.
Are beets healthy?
Yes, beets are very healthy. They are a good source of fiber, folate, and potassium, and are also high in antioxidants.
Do beets stain your hands?
Yes, beets can stain your hands. To avoid staining, wear gloves when handling beets, or wash your hands immediately after handling them.
Pros
Storing beets properly can help to extend their shelf life and keep them fresh and delicious for longer. Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different recipes, and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
Tips
- Choose beets that are firm, smooth, and unblemished.
- Store beets in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Freeze beets for later use.
- Pickle beets to preserve them.
- Don't throw away the beet greens!
Summary
Storing beets properly is essential for keeping them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Choose beets that are firm and unblemished, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Freeze beets for later use, and pickle them to preserve them. Don't forget to use the beet greens in recipes! Beets are a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways.