All About Beets
Your complete guide to beets - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Beets Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for beets in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
raw in fridge (with greens attached)3-5 days for greens, up to 1 week for roots
Signs of Spoilage
Greens become yellow, wilted, or slimy. Roots may start to soften slightly.
How to Check
Visually inspect greens for discoloration or limpness. Touch the greens for sliminess. Squeeze the root gently to check for excessive softness.
Storage Tips
The greens will spoil much faster than the roots. For longer root storage, it's best to remove the greens immediately upon purchase. Store greens separately if you plan to use them.
raw in fridge (greens removed)2-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Significant softening or wrinkling of the root, development of mold (fuzzy white, black, or green spots), slimy texture on the skin, a strong sour or musty odor.
How to Check
Visual inspection for mold, dark spots, or deep wrinkles. Touch test: the beet should be firm; if it's squishy or very soft, it's likely bad. Smell test: fresh beets have an earthy aroma; a sour, fermented, or unpleasant smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Do not wash beets before storing as moisture can accelerate spoilage. Store them in a perforated plastic bag or loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the crisper drawer to maintain humidity without trapping excessive moisture. This method helps prevent drying out and maintains firmness.
frozen (blanched)8-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), a strong 'off' odor, or extreme degradation of texture (e.g., excessively mushy after thawing, even more so than typical cooked beets). While generally safe, quality declines.
How to Check
Visual inspection for large ice crystals or freezer burn. Smell test: should still have a mild beet aroma; a strong or unpleasant odor suggests quality degradation. Texture after thawing will be softer than fresh.
Storage Tips
Blanching is essential before freezing to preserve color, flavor, and texture. Pack blanched and cooled beets tightly into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date of freezing.
cooked in fridge5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy texture, off-odor (sour, fermented, or unpleasant), visible mold growth (fuzzy spots of any color), or unusual discoloration.
How to Check
Visual inspection for mold or unusual colors. Touch test: the surface should not feel slimy. Smell test: any sour, fermented, or 'off' smell is a sign of spoilage.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked beets quickly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating. Store them in an airtight container to prevent absorbing odors from other foods and to maintain freshness. Do not leave cooked beets at room temperature for more than 2 hours.