If you were looking for more purple to add to your diet, beets are the perfect vegetable for this. Maybe you’re about to enjoy your beets, but it’s been sitting in your vegetable drawer for a little longer than you intended.
Now you’re wondering: Have my beets gone bad? How long do they last?
When it comes to the shelf-life of beets, they tend to last 3-4 days in the pantry. However, when stored in the fridge, they can last up to 2 weeks.
How To Tell When Beets Have Gone Bad
Inspect your beets and look out for these signs of spoilage. Let’s start with raw beets.
If there is any mold or rot on the vegetable, be sure to get rid of it. An unpleasant smell is also another sign of a spoiled beet, so throw it out.
Changes in the texture of your beets can be an indication of spoilage. Beets are generally firm. So if your beets are mushy or soft, it’s time to throw them out.
When it comes to cooked beets, look out for similar signs. First, if your cooked beets develop mold, discard them as they have gone bad.
An off smell is uncommon in beets but if they do smell unpleasant, throw them out. Lastly, if your beets have been stored for longer than 5-6 days, get rid of them even if they seem fine.
Storing Beets
Firstly you’ll want to cut off the tops of the beets before storing them. Beets draw moisture from the tops, which makes the beets mushy and soft sooner.
The best option to store your beets in is the vegetable drawer in the fridge. Keep them in a well-vented plastic bag or paper bag. You can store your beets at room temperature as long as you plan on using them within a few days.
Pro tip: don’t wash your beets until you’re just about to cook them.
When storing cooked beets, you can place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
The Shelf-Life Of Beets
When it comes to how long beets last, they can last about two weeks in the fridge without the greens attached. If you keep the greens attached, they last a few days less.
Your beets can be kept at room temperature for 3-5 days. Cooked beets keep for the same amount of time.
However, always check your beets for signs that may have gone bad or are about to go bad.
In Summary
Beets, which are completely edible from their leaves to their roots, are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. They are also an excellent source of vitamins A and K, folate, copper, and potassium. There is so much nutritional goodness to enjoy with beets.
Beets can last about two weeks if stored in the fridge. But if you plan on using them within a few days, the pantry is a good option. Look out for your beets’ appearance, smell, and texture if you think they may go bad soon.
