Can beets be left in the ground too long?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.If 'beets' are allowed to remain too long in the ground, the roots will become 'woody' and lose their natural sweetness, becoming, in fact, rough and fi¬brous. Always dig them before the ground becomes very hot, so that it does not reach 85 degrees, or before a hard frost occurs. A crack at the shoulder indicates a want of earth, also that time does not permit them to carry additional size.
Texture Changes
- Woody fibers develop in roots left beyond maturity
- Heat above 85°F accelerates toughness
- Oversized beets lose tender texture permanently
Flavor Loss
- Sugar converts back to starch in overmature roots
- Bolting beets turn bitter after flowering
- Frost-damaged roots develop off-flavors
Physical Damage
- Cracking occurs after heavy rain following drought
- Pests invade through cracks causing rot
- Freeze-thaw cycles split roots in cold climates
Weather significantly influences their ground storage time. The light frosts between 32° and 40° actually improve their sweetness, but frosts hard enough to freeze below 28° will break the cells. If the plants are grown in a hot climate, shade cloth should be put over the roots. They should always be pulled after a heavy rain when the earth is dry, since the origins spoil in a short time when wet.
Check weekly once the shoulders appear, feeling for firmness and no soft spots; measure the diameter across the crown, and if it is over 4 inches, there is a chance that they have lost flavor and are rotten inside. There must be others that can be used immediately. If you have oversized roots, roast them slowly to soften the fibres, and make them into a puree for soups if they are tough.
Store properly harvested beets in a cool location with a temperature range of 32°F to 40°F. The atmosphere should be moist rather than dry. If unwashed, the roots will keep for months if they are surrounded by sand or sawdust. Remember that if you are a week late, you may lose the remainder of an entire row; if you come out earlier, you will be repaid by a sweeter and better product. Your garden offers you rewards for your patience. Still, no one can afford to be lazy or dilatory in gathering its treasures.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Beets: 5 Essential Signs
