4586 Beetroot

"Nature's Sweet Little Secret"

Beetroot is a vibrant, earthy root vegetable that adds a pop of color to various dishes, from salads to borscht, with its sweet and slightly bitter flavor profile.

Also known as: Beets, Chioggia, Baby Beets

Botanical name: Beta vulgaris

Quick Facts

PLU Code

4586 (4-digit conventional)

Category & Size

Vegetables › Chard (Swiss Chard)/Silverbeet › All Sizes

Origin

Originating in the Mediterranean region, beetroot varieties were cultivated over the centuries and now are grown globally.

Storage Temperature

32°F - 50°F (0°C - 10°C)

Shelf Life

Up to 4 months from harvest in cold storage

Status

Approved

About Beetroot

Green Beetroot is a type of beet that is harvested when the leaves and crown are still green and tender. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, particularly potassium and manganese.

Nutrition Information

Beetroot is low in calories with a 100g serving providing approximately 44 kcal of energy. The macronutrient composition is 9.6g of carbohydrates, 1.7g of protein and 0.2g of fat. The fibre content is about 2.8g.

Beetroot is a good source of various essential vitamins and minerals including folate, manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. It is particularly high in folate with 100g providing about 110 micrograms.

Beetroot is also rich in antioxidants and contains nitrates which have been shown to have potential health benefits including reducing blood pressure and improving exercise performance.

Storage & Handling

Beetroot is typically stored under refrigeration after pre-cooling the produce to its ideal temperature, reducing ethylene production, and enhancing storage life

Optimal Storage Conditions:

Temperature: 32°F - 50°F (0°C - 10°C)

Humidity: 80% - 90%

Packaging: Bags, crates or plastic containers, maintaining at least 1-2% ventilation

Shelf Life: Up to 4 months from harvest in cold storage

Storage Notes: Close monitoring of CO2 and ethylene levels during the long term storage is required for optimal quality. Removal of any damaged vegetables can also prevent decay spreading through the batch.

Related Produce

Commodity Details

Commodity Key:

chard-swiss-chard-silverbeet

Variety:

Green

Created:

December 1999

Last Updated:

December 2023

PLU Code Reference

4-digit codes: Conventionally grown produce

5-digit codes starting with 9: Organic produce

5-digit codes starting with 8: Originally intended for GMO (rarely used)

PLU codes streamline checkout processes, improve inventory management, and provide consistency across different stores. The system was developed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).

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