[mikegm]

I have loads of beetroots now at a nice size.I want to harvest them before they get too big. What's the best way of storing? Thanks

[Mrs Bee]

I store mine in the over flow fridge in the utility in a net bag that had onions in.

[GrannieAnnie]

I store mine in the over flow fridge in the utility in a net bag that had onions in.

How long would they last like that Mrs Bee?  Brian doesn't like pickled beetroot, but once cooked they don't last very long.

[snowdrops]

You can freeze them once cooked & sliced, in a bit of cooking liquid.

[Mrs Bee]

I store mine in the over flow fridge in the utility in a net bag that had onions in.

How long would they last like that Mrs Bee?  Brian doesn't like pickled beetroot, but once cooked they don't last very long.

I have kept them a couple of months. Keep the bag on an open shelf though not in the salad drawer or they can go mouldy. Also make sure they are clean and very dry.

If my memory serves me correctly I think I bought a sack from the market in September after I had run out of the home grown and I was still using them just after Christmas.

[Steveharford]

We freeze them whole no probs

[GrannieAnnie]

Oooohhh thanks for that everyone, will try all those ideas!  When I get a glut at the moment I pickle them then give them away!   

[sunshineband]

Mine always seem to dry out and get a little bit flabby after about a fortnight in the fridge. Any ideas as to why, please?

[Mrs Bee]

Mine always seem to dry out and get a little bit flabby after about a fortnight in the fridge. Any ideas as to why, please?

Not really sure about that one. Where abouts do you store them in the fridge?

[RJR_38]

Same here! But then I have always stored in the salad drawer not on an open shelf so that is probably why. Unfortunately I only have one fridge so storing them on a shelf long-term really isn't an option!

[LotuSeed]

Have you considered using sand?

Gurgled and found this...

Best Long Term Storage Method: Beets can be stored in damp sand in a cool (32°F to 40°F), humid (95 percent) place such as a root cellar for two to five months. To store roots, first remove beet tops, leaving about a half-inch of stem and don't cut root end to prevent bleeding. If the leaves are not removed, water will travel to them from the roots, and the beets will shrivel. You can store beets through most of the winter by snipping off the greens and laying them in layers of damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss in a plastic container with a tight lid like a garbage can. The tight lid is important to keep the moisture in the sand. Keep the beets and layering in a cool place such as an unheated attic or in an insulated but unheated garage. They will last for two to three months in this condition.

[GrannieAnnie]

I tried sand once for my beetroot and carrots, but they went all wrinkly.  Don't know what I did wrong, perhaps sand was too dry or too damp?

Reading that, perhaps the sand was too dry?

[Mrs Bee]

The beetroot I stored didn't have any leaves, was completely dry and clean and stored in one of those orange onion bags.

When I stored them on an open shelf in the fridge they stored well but when I stored them in the salad drawer they went mouldy.