8 Tips to Help You Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh for Months

Beetroot

Advertisement

Often disregarded in conversations on vegetable storage, beetroot is a very strong root vegetable that would make a great friend to potatoes in storage. This vivid, nutrient-dense vegetable has special qualities that benefit its storage mates as well as making storage simple. Because they are so adept at absorbing extra moisture from their surroundings, beetroots are quite good neighbours for potatoes. Store beetroots together to naturally dehumidify potatoes. By absorbing the extra moisture potatoes naturally exude, they create a more stable environment less likely to support the formation of rot and fungus. Both plants gain from this symbiotic relationship; the potatoes are kept from too much moisture, and the beetroots develop even more robust during the process. Because beetroots naturally adapt to rather drier circumstances, which helps to concentrate their sugars and maintain their hard texture, their durability in this storage method is higher. Lay the beetroots on top of the potatoes in your storage container or space to apply this storage technique. This design lets the beetroots efficiently draw increasing moisture from the potatoes below. Before storage, both crops should be dry and clean; any beetroots showing symptoms of damage or disease should be removed to stop any spread to the potatoes. Although this storage approach works well, you should routinely inspect the potatoes and beetroots. Although they are resilient, over time too much moisture might cause beetroots to finally soften or grow mould. In a same vein, potatoes should be watched for any indication of softening or sprouting. Periodically rotate the vegetables to move the bottom layer to the top, therefore ensuring even moisture distribution and looking for any rotting vegetables. Those who buy in quantity during harvest season or cultivate their own veggies will especially find this storing method helpful. It enables longer-term preservation of potatoes and beetroots without refrigeration, therefore changing their taste and texture without affecting their integrity. Keeping these vegetables together will also help to maximise space in your root cellar or pantry. Although potatoes and beetroots make great storage partners, they should still be kept apart from other plants that release ethylene gas, such onions and apples. This beetroot-potato mix should be stored between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4°C), with somewhat high humidity but good air movement. Perfect is a cool, dark basement or root cellar; yet, a dedicated drawer in a cool area of your kitchen can also be really beneficial. Your beetroots and potatoes will keep better by using this natural and efficient storage technique, you will cut food waste, and always have these adaptable root veggies on hand for your cooking.