# Beetroot wholesale: varieties, sizing and deliveries for processors

Wholesale beetroot from Żuławy: high-brix Wodan, Monty, Chisel and Titan varieties, sizing and packing matched to the buyer, optical sorting and certificates.

We deliver wholesale beetroot to processing plants straight from our fields in Żuławy: we mostly base our range on the high-brix Wodan, Monty, Chisel and Titan varieties, sort the roots on the DOWNS CropVision and ship them loose, in big bags or in sacks. We match sizing and packing to the buyer, and we calculate the price based on current market prices. Below we explain which size suits which kind of processing, what happens to a batch before dispatch and what documents stand behind it.

## High-brix varieties: Wodan, Monty, Chisel, Titan

We grow high-brix beetroot, that is beetroot with a high sugar content, which processors value. The roots are round and even, with deep-red flesh. We choose our varieties for exactly these three things: high brix, an even shape and colour.

Why do sugars and colour matter on the line? According to the [Integrated Production methodology for beetroot](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), the taste of beetroot depends largely on its sugar content, and the higher the sugar content, the better the taste. [The same methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) states that the colour and intensity of the flesh depend on the content of betalain pigments, namely betanin and vulgaxanthin, and that narrow, barely visible rings are desirable in cross-section.

We describe one of our varieties separately in our post on [Wodan beetroot](/blog/burak-cwiklowy-wodan).

{% callout tone="info" %}
We say plainly where our beetroot is a weaker fit. The [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) considers varieties with an elongated, cylindrical shape the best for preserving in slices, and our roots are round. If your line cuts slices, tell us straight away in your enquiry.
{% /callout %}

## Which beetroot size for which kind of processing

Size decides whether a batch goes into a jar whole, into other processed products or to the shop. Below is a summary from the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e). These are the source's values, not our specification.

| Intended use | Desired root diameter | Harvest time | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Preserving whole | 2.5-5.0 cm | end of September | [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) |
| Other processed products | 4.0-8.0 cm | end of September | [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) |
| Direct consumption in summer and autumn | 4.0-10.0 cm, most desirable 6.0-8.0 cm | July-September | [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) |
| Long-term storage | 4.0-10.0 cm, most desirable 6.0-8.0 cm | end of September, early October | [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) |

In general, according to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), the most desirable fraction is usually roots 5 to 8 cm in diameter, and roots that are too large have poorer-quality flesh.

We match sizing and packing to the buyer. Tell us in your enquiry what diameter your line takes and in what form you want the delivery, and we will come back with availability.

## Sorting on the DOWNS CropVision before dispatch

We sort beetroot on the DOWNS CropVision optical sorter. Cameras and AI scan every root through 360 degrees and reject stones, clods of soil and defective roots. The machine handles up to 100 tonnes per hour, so large batches move quickly, and the buyer gets even, clean produce.

On top of that, we select every batch for firmness, colour and dry matter content. Dry matter counts, for example, in dried products: according to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), varieties with a high dry matter content are required for producing dried beetroot.

{% captionedImage src="/images/offer/burak-linia.webp" alt="Wet beetroots with thin rootlets in the steel hopper of a sorting line, above a green conveyor" caption="Beetroot on the sorting line in our store." /%}

## Harvest, storage and delivery formats

We harvest beetroot with our own machinery. The [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) states that beetroot is harvested before the autumn frosts, which in our climate zone means at the end of September and in early October. We write more about the harvest itself in our post on [harvesting beetroot for processing](/blog/zbior-buraka-cwiklowego-pod-przetworstwo).

According to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), the optimal temperature is 1-2°C at a relative humidity of 95-98%, and in those conditions beetroot can be stored for as long as 8 months. The [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) warns that roots wilt in low humidity, and once weight loss exceeds 7% they lose their market value. We cover storage diseases and accepting a batch after winter in our post on [beetroot storage](/blog/przechowywanie-buraka-cwiklowego).

We deliver beetroot loose, in big bags and in 15 kg, 10 kg and smaller sacks. On request, we send a free sample. We have gathered the full specification in the [beetroot offer](/oferta/burak).

## What you get with the batch

We attach documentation to our offer: GlobalG.A.P., GRASP, FSA Gold (Farm Sustainability Assessment) and GMP+ certificates. We run the farm according to the principles of Integrated Plant Production and produce using a residue-free technology. We test every batch for pesticide residues, heavy metals and substances harmful to health.

With beetroot, heavy metal testing has a concrete reason: according to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), beetroot has a strong tendency to accumulate heavy metals, especially cadmium and lead. Weeds on our farm are controlled by the Ecorobotix ARA spot sprayer, which recognises them with cameras and cuts chemical doses by around 70%.

What do the certificates mean for a buyer? According to [GLOBALG.A.P.](https://globalgap.org/buyers/), the IFA standard includes basic criteria on worker health, safety and welfare. The [GRASP](https://www.globalgap.org/what-we-offer/solutions/grasp/) add-on is meant to support the assessment of worker health, safety and welfare at farm level.

## How to assess a supplier and a beetroot batch: step by step

1. Check the certificate: according to [GLOBALG.A.P.](https://globalgap.org/what-we-offer/globalgap-it-platform/), a certificate's validity is checked in the Supply Chain Portal using the GLOBALG.A.P. identification number, and every producer has a unique 13-digit number.
2. Ask for a free sample.
3. Measure the diameter of a few roots and compare it with the intended use in the table above.
4. Cut a few roots in half: according to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), narrow, barely visible rings are desirable.
5. Check firmness: according to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), roots wilted beyond 7% weight loss lose their market value.
6. Send us the quantity, size and delivery format, and we will come back with availability and a price.

## Price and scale

The price of beetroot is calculated based on current market prices, which is why we do not publish a price list. We farm more than 800 ha, including around 400 ha of vegetables, we work with 87 machines, and beetroot is one of the 8 items in our range. Our speciality is onions, and how we work with packing houses on them is shown in our guide to [wholesale onions](/blog/cebula-hurt-dostawca). You can send a beetroot enquiry through the [contact form](/kontakt).

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does wholesale beetroot cost?

We do not give a fixed price per kilogram. The price is calculated based on current market prices. Tell us how much you need, in what size and in what form, and we will come back with a price.

### Which beetroot size is best for processing?

It depends on the processing. According to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), the desired root diameter for preserving whole is 2.5-5.0 cm, and for other processed products 4.0-8.0 cm.

### Which beetroot varieties are suitable for industry?

On our farm, mostly Wodan, Monty, Chisel and Titan, with a high brix, that is a high sugar content, which processors value. For producing natural food colourings, the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e) names Nochowski, Ceryl and Chrobry as the most suitable varieties.

### How long and at what temperature should beetroot be stored?

According to the [IP methodology](https://www.gov.pl/attachment/9118f7cc-dff7-4c24-859e-115a8a984b5e), at 1-2°C and a relative humidity of 95-98%. In those conditions beetroot can be stored for as long as 8 months.

### Will you send a beetroot sample before an order?

Yes, on request we send a free sample. Tell us which size and delivery format you want to check.