Beetroot query

johnjosephmcbride

Hi all, I've still got quite a bit of beetroot in the ground at this stage, as I've not used up  the last batch from the freezer yet. Is it ok to leave it in the ground as the weather gets frosty, or should I harvest and prep it for the freezer?
Thanks,
John.

Uff

I was going to store any surplus beetroot in dry sand in the shed this year but had a bad crop so that was that. A friend down the lane was going to leave his in the garden but a week later about a dozen pheasants moved in and ate the lot so again that was that. I too will be interested in how others store theirs. 

Blue Onion

I would eat the fresh and leave the freezer stuff to later.  Roast them or boil and make some refrigerator pickled beetroot.  I start eating it within hours, but it will last a while in the fridge if you want.  

Liriodendron

The beetroot still in my veg patch has a tougher skin now we've had some frost, but it's still just as tasty peeled and roasted (my preferred cooking method) as it was earlier in the year.  Leaving them in the ground makes them more likely to be chewed by slugs, so if you have a lot in your garden that might be a consideration.  I'm not sure how much frost they can take - perhaps someone else knows?   

Dovefromabove

I’ve a feeling that frost isn’t good for them … also that,  as well as slugs, mice, voles and rabbits will help themselves when the weather is hard. 

Liriodendron

Ah... perhaps I'll dig mine up... thanks, @Dovefromabove.

bertrand-mabel

We still have some in the ground but we are taking them out for eating but also for freezing and pickling.

This year hasn't been great for huge bulbs but still a good crop.

Skandi

You don't need to freeze them, dig them up let them dry off and then store in a cool and moist place, surrounded in damp sand works best but damp straw or sawdust or even garden soil works as well. Then store the whole lot somewhere cold a garage or shed will work so long as you don't get below -5 ish it will be fine. I keep it in my cellar which runs between 0 and 10C over winter.

tui34

Delicious grated raw together with grated raw carrot - some garlicky vinaigrette dressing, and you have a yummy winter salad!

philippasmith2

Just grated raw with a variety of spicy green leaves, bit of salt and lemon juice makes a tasty side salad.

Obelixx

Love beetroot souped but better roast with garlic, baked with butter beans and horseradish, grated in salads, in chocolate cake etc.  Tried it today cut in 1cm chunks (already cooked) and topped with crumbled feta and chopped hazelnuts then baked.  Yum yum.

Never have any left to store.