Although they come in a variety of colours, beets are best known for their deep red or golden hues. Beets are a root vegetable with an earthy flavour. You can roast them to make a tasty side dish or snack, and their crisp texture is ideal for salads and soups. We're constantly looking for ways to make fresh beets last longer. For a short period, keep beets on the counter for one to three months or in a cool, dark section of your refrigerator. Beets can be frozen and kept for up to three months if you want to keep them for longer. Simply blanch them first.
Here are some simple ways to store beets.
1. You can mix and match the tastes in your canning by using the food preservation method of pickling. Remove the chard from the stems, chop it, and simmer it in boiling water until it is soft (about an hour). Peel the beets, then cut them into small pieces after cooling them in an ice bath. A brine can be created by combining vinegar, salt, water, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil. Your canning jars should be filled with beets, brine, and any other ingredients (such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic cloves), with an inch of headspace remaining at the top. After processing the jars in accordance with your pressure cooker's directions, store the canned pickled beets in a pantry at room temperature.
2. Remove the chard (the beet leaf) and clean the skin of your beets of any dirt or debris. Beets should be cooked for 30 minutes with the pot lid on, in gently boiling water. Once cooled, peel the skin off the beets and cut them into uniform sizes. After the beets have been boiled, transfer them to an ice bath. Beets can release bright red juices when cut into slices, which can stain counters and clothing. Therefore, cut on a surface covered in protective paper towels. The chopped beets can be kept in the freezer for up to a year by placing them in a freezer bag.
3. Beets purchased at the grocery store should be kept in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator. Beets should not be washed because too much moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly. Instead, cut the stem off at the two-inch mark. These vegetables can be stored in the fridge for up to two months; the firmness of the vegetables will indicate how fresh they are still. Beet leaves can also be used; after cutting them off, store them in an airtight container and keep them for up to three days; wash them right before using.
