Choose small to medium-size beets with firm, smooth skins and purple-red color. Tops should be clean, fresh, and tender. Avoid beets that are shriveled, soft, or have rough or flabby skins.
Storing and Handling
Temperature/humidity recommendations for short-term
storage of seven days or less:
32-36 degrees F/0-2 degrees C
90-98% relative humidity
Copyright & Disclaimer
PMA Fresh Produce Manual
Troubleshooting
Sprouting; decay:
Beets may begin to sprout or decay if they are stored at high temperatures. For best quality, maintain storage temperature of 32-36 degrees F/0-2 degrees C. Low air circulation may also promote decay; be sure to maintain adequate air circulation while storing beets. Bunched beets are more perishable than topped beets.
Wilting:
Beets may begin to wilt if stored in an area with low humidity. For best quality, maintain humidity level of 90-98%.
Rough, woody texture:
This may be an indication of age. For best quality, choose small to medium sized beets with tender, fresh green tops. Small size usually indicates younger, tenderer beets.
Variety/Type Descriptions
Dark purple-red round roots with purple-red tops and large, dark green leaves. Early or new-crop beets are usually sold with tops attached; late crop beets are usually sold topped. Some common varieties are Detroit, Ruby, Crosby, and Early Wonder.
Common Packaging
25- and 50-lb. sacks holding loose beets
Cartons holding 12 or 24 bunches
Grades
U.S. No. 1
U.S. No. 2
Differences between grades are based primarily on external appearance.
NOTE: Beets are graded as bunched, with short-trimmed tops, and topped.
Shippers
J & D PRODUCE, INC.
P.O. Box 1548, Edinburg, TX 78540
7310 N. Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX 78541
PHONE # - 956-380-0353
FAX # - 956-380-0325
CONTACT - James V. Bassetti, President & Sales
WEB SITE - www.littlebearproduce.com
E-MAIL - lrchandler@littlebearproduce.com
RIO FRESH, INC.
P.O. Box 1619, San Juan, TX 78589
6 Mi. S. Stewart Road, San Juan, TX 78589
PHONE # - 956-787-0023
FAX # - 956-787-0503
CONTACT - Bill Morley, President & Gen. Mgr.
WEB SITE - www.riofresh.com
E-MAIL - larry@riofresh.com
VAL VERDE VEGETABLE CO., INC.
P.O. Box 4448, McAllen, TX 78502
2200 Trophy Dr., McAllen, TX 78504
PHONE # - 956-994-1310
FAX # - 956-994-1312
CONTACT - Frank Schuster, President
WEB SITE - www.valverdevegetable.com
E-MAIL - frank@valverdevegetable.com
