Shelf Life Tips
- How long does a can of beets last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened beets refrigerated and tightly covered.
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To maximize the shelf life of canned beets after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
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How long do opened canned beets last in the refrigerator? Canned beets that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
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Are canned beets safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they have been stored properly, the can or package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially canned beets will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the beets will remain at peak quality.
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To further extend the shelf life of opened canned beets, freeze them: to freeze canned beets, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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The texture of canned beets will be softer after freezing and thawing; the thawed beets will be best suited to cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.
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How long do canned beets last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - beets that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long do canned beets last after being frozen and thawed? Beets that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; beets that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if opened canned beets are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the beets: if the beets develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.
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Discard all beets from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
