Should beets be washed immediately after harvest?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.The way you handle your beets after harvesting them greatly affects their storage life and storage quality. Many gardeners mistakenly wash their roots right after harvesting, thinking they are cleansing the roots for storage. Introducing moisture like this will cause them to deteriorate quickly and cause rotting. I store my harvest for months by using dry cleaning methods that preserve the natural protective layer of the beet's skin.
Soil Removal
- Dry brushing: Use soft bristle brush to remove loose dirt without water
- Technique: Work gently in circular motions preserving waxy cuticle
- Problem areas: Focus on root crevices where soil accumulates
- Avoidance: Never scrub aggressively which damages protective skin
Curing Process
- Timing: Begin within 30 minutes of harvesting
- Location: Shaded well-ventilated area at 60-65°F (16-18°C)
- Setup: Arrange in single layer on mesh racks or newspaper
- Duration: 4-6 hours for micro-abrasions to seal
Storage Preparation
- Leaf management: Trim greens to 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) using sanitized shears
- Container choice: Perforated plastic bags with damp paper towels
- Temperature control: Maintain 32-40°F (0-4°C) with 90-95% humidity
- Separation: Store different sizes separately since small beets last longer
Be aware of why moisture can cause issues with your root vegetables. The skin of a beet has a natural antifungal factor, which is literally stripped away by water. Moisture is actually one of the most favorable conditions for bacterial development. This is particularly present at the stem scars. The curing process is responsible for creating a seal of cork to cover most minor wounds. This natural seal significantly increases length of time for freshness compared to your washed root vegetables.
Only clean beets when you are ready to use them. Immerse the beets in cool water (just before cooking) and scrub them gently using a vegetable brush/pad. Pat dry immediately after washing to prevent water absorption. If you plan to store them for an extended period, keep them unwashed and check the containers weekly for moisture. I remove any sweaty beets for immediate use to minimize the spread of spoilage.
Slightly dried beets will rehydrate when placed in ice water for about 30 minutes before use. Trimming soft spots is fine, but discard the moldy roots immediately. If properly stored, unwashed beets will retain garden-fresh taste for many months after harvesting. Washed beets could lose flavor within weeks. Using this simple dry method preserves the taste of your harvest.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Beets: Complete Guide
