How Long Do Cooked Beets Last (2024)

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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.

Jump to:
  • How long do beets last?
  • How to buy fresh beets?
  • How to cook beets?
  • How to use beets
  • How to tell if beets are spoiled or bad
  • How to store cooked beets
  • My beets recipes
  • Conclusion
  • Comments

How long do beets last?

How Long Do Cooked Beets Last (2)

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 withsalads,air-fried beetsadd 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.

How Long Do Cooked Beets Last (3)

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 recentbeet recipes!

  • Quinoa Salad With Beets and Avocado
  • Air Fryer Roasted Beets
  • Beetroot Cutlets
  • Beetroot Poriyal
  • Beetroot Chutney (2 Ways)
  • Beetroot Rasam
  • How Long Does Cauliflower Last
  • How Long Does Curry Last

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!

How Long Do Cooked Beets Last (2024)

FAQs

How Long Do Cooked Beets Last? ›

After cooking, store beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. For best results, store them after they're completely cooled in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags.

How long do cooked beets last in the refrigerator? ›

– Slice cooked beet and enjoy over a salad, as a side dish sprinkled with salt, or add them to one of the suggested recipes above. Store in fridge for 4-5 days or in your freezer for months to come.

How do you know if beets have gone 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.

How to store beets after cooking? ›

To store them, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. You can also wrap beets tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the crisper drawer of the fridge.

How long after cooking beets can you eat them? ›

If you don't plan to use the cooked beets right away, peel them and store them in an airtight glass container for two to three days.

How quickly do beets go bad? ›

Store beets in a plastic bag in the refrigerator at or below 41 °F for 7 to 10 days. Beets may be frozen for up to ten months. For best quality and nutritive value, preserve only what your family can consume in 12 months. Select deep, uniformly red, tender, young beets, no more than 3 inches across.

Can you eat leftover beets? ›

It's crucial to let your cooked beets come to room temperature before you put them in a sealed container, as the trapped steam can continue to cook them, even in the fridge. Since it's not recommended to reheat beets after the initial cooking, you can reuse them in a salad or pickle them to extend their shelf life.

How to preserve cooked beets? ›

Prepare the beets by cooking them with ½ inch of their stem intact to minimize color bleed; then, cool them in cold water and remove the stems, taproot, and skin. Next, cut the beets into slices or cubes, package them into freezer bags or containers with a ½-inch headspace, and freeze.

How do you preserve beetroot once cooked? ›

After cooking the beets, they will only be good for a couple of days in an airtight container in the fridge. For long-term storage, consider pickling the beets. Many beet recipes call for pickled beets, which can be canned and stored at room temperature for a year and a half until opened.

How do you make beets last longer in the fridge? ›

How to Store Beets
  1. Cut. Cut the greens off the tops of fresh beets, leaving 2 inches of stem.
  2. Seal unwashed beets in a Glad® Zipper 2-in-1 Gallon Bag.
  3. Squeeze. Squeeze as much air as possible out of the bag.
  4. Place in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

When should you throw out beets? ›

Visual Signs:
  1. Color Changes: Beets should generally be a vibrant red-purple, though golden and other varieties exist. ...
  2. Surface Spots: The presence of soft, dark spots or visible mold growth is a clear sign that the beet is no longer good to eat.
  3. Shriveling: A fresh beet has a smooth surface, so if it starts to shrivel or.
May 8, 2014

How long can you keep cooked beetroot? ›

Cooked beetroot should be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prepare: Carefully twist off the roots, about 3cm from the end, do not cut them off or they will 'bleed' during cooking and loose their distinctive colour.

Are beets still healthy when cooked? ›

Retain the good-for-you nutrients in beets by roasting them or sautéing them instead. Or lightly steam them for just a few minutes, suggests Doyle.

How long do cooked beets in vinegar last in the fridge? ›

How long will pickled beets keep in the refrigerator? Depending on the recipe, anywhere from two to six weeks. I recommend these pickled beets are eaten within two weeks of making, however I am probably being very conservative and they will likely last longer than that.

How do you store cooked beetroot for a long time? ›

To freeze: It is best to freeze beetroot when cooked. First boil or steam the beetroot, allow to cool and pop into a sealed container and freeze.

Do pickled beets go bad in the refrigerator? ›

To enjoy them at their best and freshest, store your pickled beets in the refrigerator and plan to use them within a maximum of three months, or ideally within several weeks. Always keep an eye out for signs they've passed their prime before that though.

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