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I would like to know why my fresh beets start to go soft a few days after picking them?  Can I still cook them or are they condemned to the compost?  I have never grown them before, I never thought that this could happen.    I have noticed the same with carrots, I can't believe that everyone who is growing carrots have to keep them in a container of water in order to keep them firm.   Any tips for future reference would be grateful.

My beet stays firm for at least a week.Sometimes it takes me that long to pull my finger out and cook them ;D.I just keep them in a bag in the outhouse.Its cool in there.

Are you twisting off the leaves when you harvest? If not they will go soft quicker as they continue to transpire. As Fork says keep them cool. Carrots?JA's and other roots are best stored in a tub of old compost/sand to prevent them going soft as they will rot quickly if left in water...  :)

Beetroot will store in tip-top condition for ages in cold, dark, damp conditions such as slightly damp potting compost, and I have even turned over my compost heap in March/April to find perfectly preserved specimens that were chucked in in the Autumn as surplus to requirements.

The important thing is to store them immediately after lifting to avoid drying out.

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