When it comes to food safety, it’s important to handle food properly to avoid contamination and prevent foodborne illness. So a common question is whether it’s safe to leave cooked beets out at room temperature or if they need to be refrigerated.
Quick Answer
The short answer is no, cooked beets should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods of time. Cooked beets are a perishable food and leaving them out too long increases the risk of bacterial growth that could make you sick.
How Long Can Cooked Beets Be Left Out?
The exact amount of time cooked beets can safely be left at room temperature depends on a few factors:
- Temperature – The warmer the room, the less time beets can be left out.
- Preparation Method – How the beets were cooked affects how quickly bacteria can grow. Boiling is safer than roasting.
- Size of Portions – Cut beets cool faster than whole beets.
As a general guideline, cooked beets should not be left out at room temperature for more than:
| Room Temperature | Maximum Time |
|---|---|
| 90°F (32°C) or above | 1 hour |
| 70-90°F (21-32°C) | 2 hours |
| 40-70°F (4-21°C) | 3-4 hours |
When in doubt, refrigerate beets within 2 hours of cooking.
Why You Should Refrigerate Cooked Beets
There are a few reasons it’s important to store cooked beets in the refrigerator rather than leaving them out:
Prevent Foodborne Illness
Beets are prone to bacterial growth when left out too long. Harmful bacteria like Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium perfringens can grow and potentially cause food poisoning.
Reduce Spoilage
Refrigeration slows the growth of spoilage microorganisms, extending the shelf life of cooked beets. Leaving beets out accelerates spoilage.
Maintain Quality
Proper refrigeration maintains the texture, flavor, color and nutritional value of cooked beets. Leaving them out can negatively impact quality over time.
How to Store Cooked Beets
To safely store cooked beets:
- Let beets cool slightly after cooking, then transfer to an airtight container.
- Make sure beets are covered in liquid like broth or beet juice to prevent oxidation.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator (bottom shelf), not the door.
- Eat within 3-5 days for best quality.
Reheating Beets
To safely reheat refrigerated cooked beets:
- Use within 3-5 days for best flavor and texture.
- Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Bring beets to a boil on the stovetop or reheat gently in the microwave.
- Only reheat once for food safety.
- Use leftover beets within 3-4 days.
Can You Freeze Cooked Beets?
Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve cooked beets for longer storage. To freeze:
- Let beets cool completely after cooking.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
- Label with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 10-12 months.
To use frozen beets, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
Safe Room Temperature Food Storage
While cooked beets shouldn’t be left out too long, some foods can safely be left at room temperature. Here are some guidelines:
| Food | Room Temp Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Bread, rolls | 3-5 days |
| Butter | 2-3 weeks |
| Cured meats | 2 weeks unopened |
| Dried fruits | 6 months |
| Hard cheeses | 3-4 weeks |
| Honey | 6 months |
However, most leftover foods should be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours. When doubting storing perishable foods out, it’s better to err on the side of caution and refrigerate promptly.
Signs Beets Have Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that cooked beets have spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Unpleasant sour smell
- Wilting or mushy consistency
- Dry, wrinkled skin
- Off colors like gray, brown or yellow
- Yeasty, fermented taste
Trust your senses – if cooked beets look, smell or taste off, err on the side of caution and throw them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my cooked beets turn brown in the refrigerator?
Minor browning of the skin can happen when beets are stored in the refrigerator due to oxidation. It does not mean the beets are dangerous to eat. Prevent browning by keeping beets submerged in liquid during refrigerated storage.
Can you get food poisoning from beets?
Yes, it is possible to get food poisoning from beets if they are contaminated and improperly handled. Potential risks include Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and E. coli. Properly cooking beets to the recommended internal temperature kills bacteria. However, leaving cooked beets out too long allows bacteria to regrow, increasing the risk of foodborne illness if consumed.
Do cooked beets need to be covered in the refrigerator?
Yes, cooked beets should be covered during refrigerated storage. An airtight container is ideal. If storing in a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Covering prevents beets from drying out, retains moisture, and protects them from picking up odors from other foods.
Can uncooked beets be stored at room temperature?
Raw beets have a longer shelf life than cooked beets. Uncooked, whole beets can be kept in a cool, dark place like a basement or pantry for 2-4 weeks. Once cut, raw beets should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 7 days.
Conclusion
Cooked beets should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room is very warm. Beets are a perishable food prone to bacterial growth when left out too long. For food safety, cooked beets should be promptly refrigerated in an airtight container and used within 3-5 days for the best quality. With proper refrigerated storage, cooked beets can be enjoyed without the risk of foodborne illness.