If you want to plant beets that remain juicy, richly sweet and firm even in March, choose varieties with smooth skin, high sugar content and a compact internal structure. Such beets do not fade in boxes, do not sprout, do not crack and do not lose either color or taste throughout the winter season.
Among all the varieties, three proven options for long-term storage stand out.
Bordeaux 237 – root vegetables are round or slightly flattened, 8–10 cm in diameter, dark burgundy, with thin smooth skin. The pulp is homogeneous, without rings or voids, deep red to the very core. The taste is sweet, with a slight earthy note. This variety is ideal for vinaigrette, beetroot soup and baking. When stored in sand or parchment, it remains in excellent shape until April.
Cylinder – a rare variety with an elongated shape, like a carrot. Length up to 15 cm, diameter 5–6 cm. These beets are easy to cut into cubes because they do not crumble. Inside it is dense, dark, without fibers. The sugar content is very high, so it is sweet even when raw. Great for salads and baby food. Stored until spring without loss.
Egyptian flat – a late-ripening variety with a powerful root crop. Diameter up to 12 cm, flattened shape. The skin is thick but peels off easily. The pulp is juicy, dark burgundy, with a deep taste. This variety is resistant to rot and does not germinate in the cellar, even if the temperature rises slightly. Ideal for workpieces and large families.
To ensure that beets retain their quality, store them in a cool, damp place at a temperature of 0 to plus two degrees. Do not wash root vegetables before storing. It is enough to dry them and carefully trim the tops to zero, leaving a tail no longer than one centimeter. If you keep beets in an apartment, use boxes with damp sand, sawdust or thick parchment bags. Add some garlic to each box. It naturally protects against mildew and mold.
Such beets will become the basis for vinaigrette, borscht, beetroot soup, baked appetizers and even sweet desserts.
Question and answer:
What varieties of beets are best stored until spring?
Late and mid-late varieties with a dense structure are best stored: Bordeaux 237, Egyptian flat, Cylinder. They do not germinate, do not rot and retain their taste until April.
Do I need to wash beets before storing?
No, you don't need to wash it. Simply brush off the soil and dry thoroughly. Moisture causes rot, especially in confined spaces.
Why do beets in the cellar become soft or rot?
Most often due to high humidity, damaged tops or too warm storage. Before planting, be sure to trim the tops to zero and store at a temperature of 0–+2°C.
