How long will frozen beets keep?

Your beets will keep in the freezer for up to a year.

Can I freeze leftover roasted beets?

Yes, you can, and it's simple to do. Spread the leftover beets on a baking tray, flash freeze for 4 to 4 hours, transfer them to freezer bags, and that's it!

Why should I blanch fresh beets before freezing them?

As with most veggies, blanching will help beets to retain their texture, flavor, and nutritional value. It also helps reduce the chance that any bacteria on the skin of the vegetable can grow in the freezer. It will take a little longer to prepare, but it's worth the effort when you're freezing fresh beets.

Is it better to blanch raw beets before freezing or to cook them through?

It depends on how you want to use your frozen beets. If you want to use them in a smoothie or another recipe where they won't be cooked further, then it's best to cook the beets through and then freeze them. If you are going to use them in a recipe like a soup or stew where they will be cooked more, then you can just blanch the beets before freezing.

How to Freeze Fresh Beets (Raw or Cooked)

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound fresh beets (about 3-4 medium beets)

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Instructions

To cook your raw beets before freezing: bring a medium saucepan filled with water to boil over medium heat.
If your beets came with the greens attached, chop the leaves off around half an inch from the top of each beet.
Scrub the beets thoroughly, ensuring that you rinse off any sand or dirt.
Carefully add the beets to the boiling water. Boil the beets between 30-35 minutes, or until they are fork tender. You can also make Instant Pot Beets. See the notes below for instructions on how to blanch beets before freezing, as opposed to cooking them through.
Drain the beets in a colander and transfer them to an ice bath.
Once cooled, peel the skins off and cut the top and roots off.
Slice, dice, or shred the beets.
Spread the beet pieces on a baking tray and freeze for 4 hours.
Transfer the frozen beets to freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. Place the bags into your freezer for up to several months.

Notes

To blanch your beets before freezing (as opposed to cooking them through): Peel the beets. Cut them into slices or cubes, or shred them for best results. Blanch the beets in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes and then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Drain the beet pieces and dry them by patting excess water off with paper towels and then leaving them to dry for around 10 minutes. Spread the beet pieces on a baking tray and flash freeze for 4 hours.
You don’t have to defrost beets before you use them.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freezing Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Freezer
Cuisine: Healthy
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 frozen beet
Calories: 35
Sugar: 5.5 g
Sodium: 64 mg
Fat: 0.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 7.8 g
Fiber: 2.3 g
Protein: 1.3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg