
Why You Should Love Beets
Beets are one of nature’s most versatile and nutritious gifts with their vibrant hues and earthy sweetness. Whether you’re a beet enthusiast or a skeptic, there’s so much to love about this humble root vegetable. From their health benefits to their culinary uses, let’s dive into the wonderful world of beets.
If you haven’t embraced beets yet, now is the time. Their health benefits are unmatched, their versatility in the kitchen is inspiring, and their natural beauty makes every dish Instagram-worthy. From roasted beet salads to vibrant beet hummus, these roots are here to add color, flavor, and nutrition to your life.
The Many Varieties of Beets
- Red Beets: The classic choice, with a deep, earthy flavor and a striking crimson color that stains just about everything it touches.
- Golden Beets: Milder and slightly sweeter than red beets, with a gorgeous golden hue that brightens any dish.
- Chioggia Beets: Known as candy-striped beets, they reveal stunning pink-and-white concentric circles when sliced.
- White Beets: The mildest of the bunch, these are perfect for those who want the nutritional benefits of beets without the intense flavor.
Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health:
- Rich in Nutrients: High in folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Boosts Stamina: Beets are popular among athletes for enhancing endurance by improving oxygen flow.
- Supports Digestion: Loaded with fiber, beets promote a healthy gut.
- Detoxifying Properties: Their betalains give beets their vibrant color, and help support liver function and detoxification.
How to Use Beets in the Kitchen
- Roasted Beets: An olive oil, salt, and pepper drizzle transforms beets into caramelized perfection.
- Beet Salads: Pair them with goat cheese, arugula, and a balsamic glaze for a classic combo.
- Beet Juice or Beet Smoothies: Blend beets with fruits like oranges or apples for a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink.
- Pickled Beets: A tangy treat perfect for snacking or topping salads.
- Beet Soup: The iconic borscht is a hearty and comforting way to enjoy beets.
- Beet Chips: Thinly sliced and baked until crispy, these are a healthy alternative to potato chips.
- Beet hummus
- Beet Pasta Sauce: Puree roasted beets with cashews and garlic for a creamy, vibrant sauce that’s both delicious and stunning.
Fun Facts About Beets
Beets have been cultivated for thousands of years and were initially grown for their greens rather than their roots. During World War II, beet sugar became a popular alternative when sugarcane supplies were low. The natural pigments in beets, called betalains, are used as natural dyes in food and cosmetics.
How to Wash, Prepare, and Cook Beets
Ingredients
- Beets
Instructions
- Wash the Beets: Rinse under cool running water to remove any dirt. Use a vegetable brush for tougher debris.
- Trim the Greens: Cut off the beet greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to avoid bleeding during cooking. Save the greens for sautés or salads!
- Peeling: You don’t need to peel beets before cooking. The skin will easily slip off once cooked.
How to Cook Beets:
- Boiling: Place beets in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30-45 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool before peeling.
- Roasting: Wrap whole beets in foil or place them on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40-60 minutes, depending on size.
- Steaming: Place beets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30-40 minutes.
- Microwaving: Place beets in a microwave-safe dish with a little water. Cover and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, checking for tenderness.
Notes
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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