How to Store Beetroot
Beetroot is a reliable winter root crop, with a sweet, earthy flavour that holds well after careful lifting. Smaller and medium-sized roots generally store better than oversized ones. Leave only sound, dry, unblemished beetroot for long keeping, and twist off foliage rather than cutting into the crown.
Best storage conditions
Store beetroot at 0-4 degrees C in darkness with high humidity and gentle ventilation. A cool, frost-free shed, garage, cellar or protected clamp is suitable. Pack roots in just-moist sand or coir to prevent shrivelling, but avoid wet material and sealed containers, which invite mould. If leaving roots outside, mulch the row and ensure the ground is not prone to standing water or severe frost.
How long it keeps
Stored beetroot commonly keeps for 3-5 months. Roots left in the ground under mulch can be lifted over much of winter, although prolonged hard frost, waterlogging or slug damage may shorten their useful life. Inspect boxed roots regularly and remove anything soft, mouldy or leaking.
Storage methods
Lift roots carefully before severe frost, selecting a dry day where possible. Twist off the leaves, leaving a short stub to avoid bleeding, and brush away loose soil without washing. Place roots in layers in wooden or plastic boxes filled with just-moist sand or coir, keeping each root apart. Store the boxes in a cold frost-free shed, garage or cellar. For a larger harvest, make a traditional clamp in a well-drained spot, using straw and earth as insulation. Alternatively, mulch roots in the ground and lift them as needed.
Preserving
Cook beetroot before freezing, then slice, dice or grate it into portions for a chest freezer. Pickled beetroot is a classic way to preserve a surplus; follow a trusted recipe for preparation and storage. Beetroot also makes a useful chutney with apples or onions. Dehydrated slices can be stored airtight and added to soups, bakes or savoury dishes.
Tips
Wear gloves if you wish to avoid staining hands, and handle roots gently to prevent bruising. Do not store beetroot with broken skins, as decay spreads readily. Keep the best evenly sized roots for the store and use oversized, forked or damaged ones first. One rotting root can spoil a whole box.
Storing Beetroot: frequently asked questions
How do I store beetroot?
Lift roots carefully before severe frost, selecting a dry day where possible.
How long does beetroot keep in storage?
Stored beetroot commonly keeps for 3-5 months.
What are the best conditions for storing beetroot?
Store beetroot at 0-4 degrees C in darkness with high humidity and gentle ventilation.
Store only sound, dry produce and check regularly. For bottling and preserving, follow a trusted recipe. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.