How To Tell If Beets Are Bad?

How to tell if beets are bad?

By TheWholePortion

Page last updated: 03/22/2023 | Next review date: 03/22/2025

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In this brief guide, 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 and the proper way to store beets.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

Do beets go bad?

Just like other fresh fruits and vegetables, beets do go bad. The time they take before they are unsafe for consumption depends on the storage method. If you store them in the refrigerator with the greens intact, they will last a little less than 2 weeks. If otherwise, they can last for about 2 weeks. At room temperature, beets can last for 3-5 days.

There are a couple of indications that point out that your beets have gone bad. 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.

Appearance

If you spot a mold or some organic growth 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.

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.

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.

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. 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 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.

You can read about the nutritional profile and benefits of beets here.

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?

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

Other FAQs about Beets which you may be interested in.

Can you eat beet skin?

Can you eat beetroot raw?

Can you eat beets daily?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, 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 and the proper way to store beets.