Beetroot - unpretentious and familiar to us vegetable. But the content of vitamins and minerals in it is very high. This is pectin - for the prevention of atherosclerosis and the improvement of the gastrointestinal tract. Betaine - for the liver. Vitamin C - strengthening and maintaining immunity. Zinc - has an excellent influence on the work of the sex glands.
Growing beets is not at all difficult, but how to save them for the winter? Is it possible to wash beets for storage for the winter? Can I wash beets before storing? How to cut the beet topper for storage? How to cut the beets in storage for the winter? So, we learn to prepare beets before storage for the winter.
Fundamental rules
It is advisable to choose winter beet varieties for storage. (Bordeaux-237, Bravo, Ideal, Madame Rougette, Salad, Cold-Resistant 19 and others). The ripeness of the beets is determined by the yellowed tops.
Harvesting must be done before the first frosts in dry cool weather. Usually, digging up root crops is carried out in the first half of October.
Immediately after harvesting beets laid out to dry. You can do it right on the garden or under a canopy.
If you are lucky and the autumn sun warms up the vegetables with its rays for 2-3 hours, then the best can not be imagined. If the weather is rainy, then you can dry the beets in a well-ventilated room. within 3-4 days. On whether to wash the beets before storage and how to cut the beets for storage for the winter, read on.
How to cut beets see below for photo storage.
How to sort?
Before prolonged storage, the fruit should be carefully inspected. They should not be dents, rot, cuts. Very large root vegetables do not fit either., because it does not tolerate long-term storage. It is necessary to give preference to vegetables 10-12 cm in diameter.
It is also worth sorting small fruits from the average, with this distribution of vegetables will be stored longer.
Is it possible to wash root vegetables before storage?
Beets absolutely do not need to wash before storage.
Moreover, it is impossible even to wet it. After all, a thin layer of earth that remains on the skins of the root, contributes to long storage.
It is only necessary to gently clean the big clumps of earth with your hands.so that they do not damage adjacent roots during storage.
It is absolutely unacceptable to cut off pieces of dirt with a knife, or to beat the roots against each other. Such actions can damage the skin of vegetables and storage will be unsuccessful.
How to cut carrots and beets for winter storage photos below. How to cut the tops of beets for storage and how to properly cut and store the beets further.
How to cut the tops?
It is necessary to cut the tops. Cut with a sharp knifebut not at the root. It is necessary to leave a little more than 1 centimeter.
It is not recommended to break out or twist the tops.- such actions may cause damage to the root. Pruning beets for storage and how to prepare the beets for storage for the winter, read on.
How to cut beets?
The root itself also needs pruning. The knife gently removes the small side roots. The central root is allowed to cut, keeping the tail in 6-7 cm.
What to process before storage?
If the beets were harvested correctly, carefully selected and properly stored, then processing is not necessary. With proper storage, roots can be stored for up to 8 months.
But some gardeners still prefer to process vegetables. Here are some ways to process beets before storing.:
- root crops processing sifted wood ash;
- reliably protects the beets against infections and chalk powder. Before storage, the fruit is carefully rolled in it;
- "salt method". Root crops are treated with saline solution (250 grams of salt is taken in a bucket of water), then they are dried thoroughly and sent for winter storage;
- processing of beet mash from clay. To do this, the clay is diluted with water to the state of liquid sour cream. After this treatment, the fruit is also thoroughly dried.
Other rules
During all storage preparation methods it is important not to damage the skin. After all, the slightest damage can be a source of infection. total fetus.
It is crucial to collect the beets before the first frost. Otherwise, the roots may acquire such a disease as gray rot, which can lead to damage to the entire crop.
To learn how to properly trim the beets for storage for the winter, see the photo below.
All these simple rules will help save the beet harvest. for an extended period. But the beet is known not only by its useful qualities, but also by its healing properties. No wonder the people came up with such a proverb: "The sugar-beet is useful for us, we keep it in reserve."
Enjoy your harvest all year! All for the joy of your health! Now you know how the beets are being prepared for storage for the winter.
Useful video!
