Beets are some of the most beautiful vegetables there are! But, instead of just being a nice looking vegetable, they can also be really delicious! I know there are a lot of people that are unfamiliar with beets, and might even be a little intimidated by them, and this post is for you! This post is all about how to select and store beets in order to be able to enjoy them to their fullest.
(This post is an excerpt from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide, with input provided by Lakeside Organic Gardens. You can learn more about the Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies HERE.)
What to look for when picking the best quality beets?
- If the tops are fresh, it’s a good indicator that they are fresh. It is okay if they have an occasional crack, as sometimes the tops of the beets will crack from rapid growth. As beets age, they will soften and the tops will wilt.
- A note from The Produce Nerd: If there is any cracking, you will want to inspect the cracks to make sure there is no pathogen growth.
Are there any common issues that are specifically caused by bad grocery store handling?
- A common problem is grocery stores don’t move product fast enough. Produce with leaves can yellow, dry up or in wet veg, start to get soggy and mildew. We harvest, pack, cool and ship within a couple days to ensure fresh organic produce. Temperature control, too cold or not enough or too much moisture are common store handling problems.
What is the best way to store beets at home?
- In the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
What is your favorite way to eat and prepare beets?
- The greens and the stems of beets are edible. They can be steamed, sautéed, braised, added to soups, and eaten raw and full of vitamins. Juice them. I love roasted beets, in salads, pickled, etc.
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