How long do cooked beets keep in fridge?

Quick Answer

Cooked beets will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The beets should be cooled completely before refrigerating. Keeping them covered and minimizing exposure to air will help prevent spoilage and extend their shelf life.

How Long Can You Store Cooked Beets in the Fridge?

When stored correctly, cooked beets will typically last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. The exact shelf life depends on a few factors:

• Freshness of beets before cooking – Fresher beets will last a bit longer
• Cook time – The longer the beets are cooked, the shorter the shelf life
• Storage container – An airtight container prevents air exposure which causes spoilage
• Refrigerator temperature – Colder temps (34-40°F) extend shelf life

To maximize freshness, beets should be cooked just until tender, immediately cooled, and then stored in an airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. With proper storage, pre-cooked beets will easily last 3-5 days before going bad.

How to Tell if Cooked Beets are Bad

Here are some signs that cooked beets have spoiled and should be discarded:

• Appearance – Moldy spots, slimy texture, or shriveling indicates spoilage
• Soft texture – Cooked beets will begin to soften and lose their firmness
• Odor – Rotten or unpleasant sour smell means beets have spoiled
• Flavor – Off or bitter flavors compared to fresh cooked beets

As soon as you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw the beets out. Consuming spoiled beets can potentially cause foodborne illness.

Proper Storage of Cooked Beets

To get the most out of your cooked beets in the fridge, follow these storage guidelines:

• Allow beets to cool completely after cooking before refrigerating. Warm food will rapidly spoil.
• Place cooled beets in an airtight container or zipper freezer bag.
• Exclude as much air from the container as possible.
• Store beets in the coldest part of the refrigerator, 34-40°F if possible.
• Use within 3-5 days for best quality and safety.

Proper storage procedures greatly reduce the risk of spoilage. Always practice FIFO – first in, first out. Use older cooked beets before newer ones.

Freezing Cooked Beets for Long Term Storage

For storage beyond 3-5 days, cooked beets should be frozen. To freeze:

• Let beets cool completely after cooking.
• Package in an airtight freezer bag or container, removing excess air.
• Label package with contents and date.
• Freeze for up to 10-12 months at 0°F.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Frozen beets may become softer in texture after thawing but will remain safe to eat.

Can You Refrigerate Raw Beets?

Yes, raw beets can be refrigerated. Trimmed, uncooked beets will keep in the fridge for 2-4 weeks. Leave about 1 inch of stem attached and do not wash until ready to use. Store raw beets in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Refrigeration helps slow respiration, retain moisture, and prevent sprouting.

What’s the Best Way to Cook Beets to Preserve Nutrients?

To get the most nutritional value from beets, steam them. Steaming better preserves the vitamin and mineral content compared to boiling. Overcooking will cause more nutrients to leach out. Beets are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork or skewer. Avoid overcooking to the point of mushiness. For peak nutrition, enjoy steamed beets within a day or two of cooking.

Can You Eat Beet Greens?

Yes! The leafy green tops of beets are edible and highly nutritious. Beet greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like potassium and manganese. They have a flavor similar to chard or spinach. The greens can be steamed, sauteed, or added raw to salads. Fresh young greens can be eaten raw, while older leaves are better cooked. Try adding beet greens to soups, stir fries, and juices. The greens store just 2-3 days in the fridge.

Health Benefits of Beets

Beyond their sweet, earthy flavor, beets provide many important nutrients and health benefits:

• High in immune boosting vitamin C and manganese.
• Contain disease-fighting antioxidants – especially betalain pigments.
• May support heart health by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
• Helpful for detoxification and liver health.
• Anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce chronic inflammation.
• Provide fiber to promote good digestion and feed beneficial gut bacteria.

Beets make a tasty, versatile, and nutritious addition to any diet.

Tips for Cooking Beets

Here are some helpful tips for preparing beets:

• Leave 1 inch of stem and roots intact until ready to cook. This prevents “bleeding” of color and nutrient loss.
• Wash just before cooking – don’t peel beforehand. The skin helps retain color and nutrients.
• Roast, steam, or boil until tender when pierced. Avoid overcooking.
• Rubbing the skins off after cooking is easy. Let cool before peeling.
• Store greens separately from roots. Greens only last 2-3 days.
• Use leftover beet juice as a natural food coloring or drink it for benefits.
• Double wrap uncooked beets in plastic wrap to prevent staining other fridge items.

With proper storage and preparation, you can enjoy delicious healthy beets for up to a week.

How to Use Leftover Cooked Beets

Don’t let those leftover cooked beets go to waste! Here are some tasty ways to use them up:

• Make a beet salad – Toss with greens, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette.
• Blend into hummus for color and nutrition.
• Top avocado toast with sliced or chopped beets.
• Mix into grain bowls like farro or quinoa.
• Add to smoothies for color and sweetness.
• Make a beet puree and use as a sandwich spread.
• Make pickled beets by reheating in vinegar and spices.

Don’t forget the greens! Saute beet greens with garlic like other greens or add raw to juices and smoothies.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about storing cooked beets:

Can you freeze cooked beets?

Yes, cooked beets freeze very well for long-term storage. Allow beets to cool fully before freezing in an airtight container for up to 10-12 months.

Can cooked beets be canned?

Yes, properly canned beets can be shelf-stable for 1-2 years. Always use a pressure canner and follow a trusted canning recipe for best results.

Do beets need to be peeled before cooking?

No peeling needed before cooking. The skins easily slip off after cooking. Leaving skins on during cooking retains color and nutrients.

Can cooked beets be eaten cold?

Yes, cooked beets hold up well to being served chilled. Simply refrigerate until fully cooled. Mix sliced cold beets into salads or eat them as a healthy snack.

Do cooked beets need to be kept in the fridge?

For food safety, always refrigerate cooked beets within 2 hours of cooking. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Conclusion

Cooked beets will remain fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days if properly stored in an airtight container. Keep them in the coldest part of the fridge. Signs of spoiled beets include mold, slime, bad smell, and soft texture. For long term beet storage, freeze cooked beets for up to a year. Remember to use the flavorful and nutritious beet greens within 2-3 days. With proper handling, you can enjoy delicious home-cooked beets all week long.