Method	Lifespan	What to Do	Best For
Fridge (Raw)	2–3 weeks	Trim greens, keep dry, bag it	Short-term use
Root Cellar	Up to 3 months	Unwashed, layer in sand or sawdust	Bulk or winter storage
Fridge (Cooked)	4–5 days	Cool, seal in container	Quick meals
Freezer	8–12 months	Cook, slice, freeze	Long-term storage
Pickled	2–12+ months	Brine and jar (fridge or canned)	Flavor + long shelf life

Getting to Know Your Beetroot

Before we get into storage methods, let’s get familiar with what you’re storing. Beets are root veggies that can last a long time when stored right. The fresher they are when you start, the better they’ll hold up. You’ll want beets that are firm, smooth, and have vibrant, healthy-looking greens if they’re still attached.

You might be storing them in different forms: raw with the greens still on, raw without the greens, cooked or roasted, or preserved as pickled beets. Each one needs a slightly different storage setup.

Getting Your Beets Ready for Storage

• Trim the greens right away: Beet greens look great but pull moisture from the root, so trim them off—leave an inch or two of stem to stop bleeding. Bag the greens in the fridge and cook them like spinach; they’ll stay fresh for days.
• Skip the wash: You might be tempted to wash the dirt off your beets before storing, but hold off. Moisture encourages mold and spoilage. Just brush off the soil gently with your hands or a dry cloth. Give them a rinse only right before you’re ready to cook them.

How to Store Fresh Beetroot

• Refrigerating beets for short-term use: The fridge works well if you plan to use your beets within a couple of weeks. After trimming the greens and brushing off the dirt, put them in a breathable plastic bag or one of those mesh produce bags. Then pop them into the crisper drawer in your fridge. They’ll usually last for two to three weeks like this. If you’ve got different varieties, like red and golden, it’s best to store them in separate bags so they don’t bleed into each other.
• Using a root cellar for long-term storage: If you’ve got a big batch of beets or want to keep them through the winter, go old school with a root cellar—or a cool, dark basement if you don’t have one. The beets should be dry and unwashed. Layer them in a wooden box filled with damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss. Make sure the beets don’t touch each other to prevent rot from spreading if one goes bad. The key here is a cool temperature (ideally 32 to 40°F) and high humidity. Done right, they can last up to three months or more.

How to Store Cooked or Roasted Beetroot

Once beets are cooked, they’re a lot more delicate and don’t last nearly as long. After cooking, let them cool completely before putting them in a container. Use a tight-sealing glass jar or food-safe container and store them in the fridge. Keep the temperature steady—somewhere between 36 to 40°F is just right. Cooked beets will usually stay good for four to five days in the fridge. If you don’t plan to eat them soon, freezing is the better route.

Freezing Beetroot the Right Way

Freezing is perfect for long-term beet storage, but only if you do it right. Don’t freeze raw beets—they don’t handle it well and the texture turns weird. Start by washing, peeling, and cooking your beets (boiled, steamed, or roasted all work). Let them cool, then slice or dice them depending on how you plan to use them later.

Here’s how to freeze beets:

1. Lay them out on a tray in a single layer and freeze them for a few hours.
2. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
3. Label everything with the date and the cut type so you don’t forget what’s inside.

Frozen beets last about eight to twelve months and keep their flavor really well.

Pickling Beetroot for Long-Term Flavor and Storage

Pickling is a fun and tasty way to make your beets last even longer. You can go the quick refrigerator route or do proper canning.

• For quick pickling: Cook and peel your beets, then slice or cube them. Make a brine with vinegar, sugar, water, and spices, and pour it over the beets in a clean jar. Seal it up and pop it in the fridge. These pickles will last a couple of months easily.
• For canning: Use sterilized jars and follow safe water bath canning methods. The acidity level has to be just right to keep bacteria away. Properly canned pickled beets can last for over a year if kept in a cool, dark pantry.

What Not to Do When Storing Beets

• Don’t keep the greens attached: Leaving the greens on causes the root to dry out faster. Always cut them off right away.
• Don’t wash before you store: Moisture is bad news. Keep them dry until you’re ready to cook.
• Don’t store in a warm spot: Any spot warmer than 50°F is too warm. Your beets will get soft and start to spoil.
• Don’t let beets touch each other: In long-term storage, like a root cellar, make sure each beet has its own space. If one goes bad, it won’t affect the others.

Pro Tip: Quick Beet Storage Recap

Pro tip: Cut off the greens right away. Store fresh beets dry in the fridge for short-term or in a cool cellar with sand or sawdust for longer storage. Cooked beets go in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for nearly a year. For something different, pickle them and enjoy for months.

Conclusion

There’s more than one way to store beetroot, and the best method depends on what kind of beets you have and how soon you plan to use them. The key is always the same—keep them cool, dry, and properly prepped. Whether you’re refrigerating for a few weeks, freezing for months, or pickling to enjoy the flavor all year round, these storage techniques will keep your beets fresh and ready for anything.

Key takeaway: Trim the greens, skip the pre-wash, and store your beets in the right place based on how you plan to use them—refrigerator, freezer, cellar, or jar. It’s all about timing and technique.

FAQs

Can I store beetroot at room temperature?

Only for a short time—maybe a day or two. After that, they’ll start to soften and spoil. It’s best to refrigerate them or store in a cool cellar.

What’s the best way to keep beetroot from going soft?

Trim the greens, don’t wash them, and store them in a cool spot with high humidity. That combo helps them stay firm longer.

Can I vacuum seal beetroot?

Yes! Vacuum sealing works great for both fresh and cooked beets. It removes air, which helps them last longer whether you’re refrigerating or freezing.

Should I peel beets before freezing?

Absolutely. Cook them first, then peel before freezing. The skins get tough and bitter if frozen with the beets.

Is it okay to store beets in plastic bags?

Yes, but use perforated or breathable produce bags. Airtight bags without ventilation can trap moisture and cause mold.