How to Store Root Vegetables

You may be wondering what a root vegetable is. I'm sure you've heard of the most common root vegetables: potatoes, carrots, beets, onions and garlic. And you may have even heard of the least common ones like turnips, parsnips and rutabagas. Root vegetables are named such because they are the underground plant parts that are eaten. They are easy to store and with just a few simple steps you can enjoy a bountiful harvest through the winter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Leave root vegetables in the ground until the danger of frost. Most root vegetables can be left in the ground until about mid-November. Cover the rows of vegetables with straw to keep from freezing.

2. Dig up root vegetables once there is danger of freezing. Do not wash the vegetables. Wipe off the dirt and cut off the tops only.

3. Store the vegetables in a dry, cool, dark environment. There are several ways of doing this. Use a garbage can filled with straw. Put the vegetables in a barn or keep the vegetables in a box in a dark basement. A root cellar is ideal if you have one.

4. Keep the vegetables dry. Store them at a temperature of 32 to 38 degrees. Remove any rotten vegetables to prevent the other vegetables from spoiling.