How to tell if beets are bad?

In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “how to tell if beets are bad” with an in-depth analysis of ways to spot bad beet. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of beets in different mediums, the health consequences of eating spoiled beets and the proper way to store beets.

How to tell if beets are bad?

There are a couple of indications that point out that your beets have gone bad. For example, you should consider the appearance, texture, and smell of the beets to give the final verdict about whether or not the beets have gone bad.

Important: You should be aware that spoiled beets can be contaminated with harmful microorganisms and toxins that can make you very sick (1-4). You should not eat spoiled beets!

Here, you can find some of the most relevant sings that could help you to determine if your beets have gone bad:

• Appearance: If you spot a mold or signals of other microorganisms growing on your beet, then the best thing you can do in this scenario is to get rid of it. 

If you consume such beet, it can cause many foodborne illnesses including food poisoning that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes even fever (5).

Be very careful with molds as they can produce potent mycotoxins that can make you very sick (6). 

• Texture: It is worth mentioning that fresh raw beets are firm to touch. So if you feel something slimy, gooey, or if the beets are mushy, limp, or very soft then it is an indication of a bad beet and you should discard it.

• Smell: If you smell something acidic, putrid, or something that does not quite feel like the beet itself then it is the indication of a bad beet and you should get rid of it. 

If the beets have developed off-smell and off-flavor then consuming such beets can put you at risk of many digestive issues especially food poisoning, moreover, you can also suffer from headaches and bloating (5).

It is also worth mentioning that in the case of the cooked beets, if they have been stored in the refrigerator for more than a week, then the best thing you can do about it is to get rid of it as it no longer would have the characteristic flavor and aroma of beet and they could also be spoiled.

Can you get sick from eating spoiled beets?

Yes, eating spoiled beets can pose several risks to your health due to the presence of harmful pathogens and toxins. When beets spoil, they may harbor bacteria, molds, or toxins that can cause different foodborne illnesses (1-4). 

Here are some potential contaminations and symptoms associated with consuming spoiled beets:

Bacterial contamination, for example:

• Salmonella: Ingesting beets contaminated with Salmonella can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and vomiting (2).

• Escherichia coli: Consumption of spoiled beets contaminated with certain strains of E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and in some cases, kidney damage (2).

• Listeria monocytogenes: Listeria contamination can result in listeriosis, a serious infection (7). Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, meningitis or bloodstream infection (8).

Mold contamination, for example:

• Aspergillus spp.: Eating beets affected by certain species of Aspergillus molds can lead to mycotoxicosis (9). Symptoms can vary depending on the specific toxin produced but may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and potential allergic reactions (3).

• Fusarium spp.: Consumption of beets contaminated with Fusarium molds can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain (1).

Toxins contamination:

• Botulinum toxin: If beets are improperly processed, stored, or canned, the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria is possible (10). Eating beets contaminated with botulinum toxin can result in botulism, a severe illness characterized by muscle weakness, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress (11).

It is important to note that the presence of harmful pathogens in spoiled beets can vary depending on factors such as storage conditions, handling practices, and individual susceptibility.

What should you do if you suspect you have eaten spoiled beets?

If you have consumed spoiled beets and suspect that you may be experiencing adverse effects, it’s essential to take appropriate measures. 

Here you can find some tips on what you should do if you have eaten spoiled beets:

• You should pay close attention to any unusual symptoms you may be experiencing, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever. 

Take note of the severity and duration of these symptoms. Keep a close eye on your symptoms and general well-being. If you notice any concerning developments or if your condition deteriorates, seek medical help promptly.

• If you develop severe symptoms or if your symptoms persist or worsen over time, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. 

You should describe your situation, including the fact that you consumed spoiled beets. They will then provide you with proper guidance, assess your condition, and recommend any necessary tests or treatments.

• If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids (12). Opt for water, clear broth, electrolyte-rich beverages, or oral rehydration solutions. 

It is recommended to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks as they can further contribute to dehydration.

• You should refrain from taking over-the-counter medications or anti-diarrheal medications without consulting a healthcare professional. 

• It is best to discard any remaining spoiled beets or food that came into contact with them to prevent the risk of further ingestion. 

Properly clean and sanitize any utensils, surfaces, or containers that were in contact with the spoiled beets.

Remember that only healthcare professionals can provide appropriate advice based on your specific situation.

What is the shelf life of beets?

Raw beets last for about 2 weeks when they are properly stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (13). 

What you gotta do is store the fresh raw beets in a plastic zipper bag in the fridge to protect them from water loss. The raw fresh beets last for about 3-5 days if they are stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat. 

It is worth mentioning that you should store beets in a well-ventilated place and you should never store beets in a humid environment as the excessive moisture can mess up the quality and freshness of the beet.

On the other hand cooked beets last for about 3-5 days if they are stored in an air-tight container at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of the beets and beets can even last for more than this, provided that they are stored properly.

Can I freeze beets?

Yes, you can freeze beets and the beets that are stored properly in the plastic freezer bags have a longer shelf life and last for about 12 to 18 months. 

So what you gotta do to properly store beets in the freezer is to wash the beets thoroughly and afterward trim them so that you will be left with only ½ inch of the stem. 

Now cook the beets until they become tender. Let them cool and afterward peel and cut them in the form of cubes or wedges. Take a plastic freezer bag and put these cut beets in it. Store it in the freezer.

How to properly store beets?

1. Fresh raw beets can be stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry but if you want to prolong their shelf life then it is recommended to store them properly in the fridge.

2. In the case of cooked beets, always let beets cool before storing them in the air-tight container or plastic zipper bag. If you store hot beets in the plastic zipper bag or container moisture will build up inside it that provides a suitable environment for bacteria to grow.

3. Moreover, cooked beets should always be stored in the refrigerator.

4. Whether you want to store the beets in the fridge or freezer, you should always store them in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag.

Conclusion:

In this brief article, we answered the question “how to tell if beets are bad” with an in-depth analysis of ways to spot bad beet. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of beets in different mediums, the health consequences of eating spoiled beets and the proper way to store beets.

References:

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