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
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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
I. KUNIK COMPANY, INC. 2000 Industrial Drive, McAllen, TX 78504 PHONE # - 956-686-4324 FAX # - 956-686-2855 CONTACT - Mr. Lawrence Kroman WEB SITE - http://www.ikunik.com/ EMAIL - info@ikunik.com
VAL VERDE VEGETABLE CO., INC. P. O. Box 4448
2200 Trophy Dr. (78504), McAllen, TX 78502 PHONE # - 956-994-1310 FAX # - 956-994-1312 CONTACT - Mr. Frank Schuster WEB SITE - http://www.valverdevegetable.com/ EMAIL - frank@valverdevegetable.com
