We’ve Got the Beet(s)!

Beets are well known in our area and you’ll see them all over our farmers’ markets this time of year. They’re fresh, delicious, versatile, gorgeous, and good for you. Here’s some tips and a few reasons to make you love them even more!

Four Ways to Cook Beets

Slow-Roast Method with Quick Prep

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, toss beets with oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover dish tightly with foil; roast until tender when pierced with a knife, 45 to 60 minutes, depending on size. When cool enough to handle, rub with a paper towel to remove skins.

Fast-Roast Method, Precut Them!

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place beets (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges) on a large piece of foil on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold foil around beets and crimp ends to form a packet. Roast until beets are tender when pierced with a knife, 25 to 30 minutes.

Steamed Method

Set a steamer basket in a saucepan with 2 inches simmering water. Add beets (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces). Cover and steam until beets are tender when pierced with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes.

Boiled Method

Place beets (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces) in a large pot of boiling salted water. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until beets are tender when pierced with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes; drain.

Or don’t cook them at all! Shred and add to salads for color, texture, and nutrients!

Basic Beet Varieties

Red
Red beets are what most of us think of when our minds turn to “beets.” Look for beets with their fresh, leafy greens still attached, if they greens look good you’ll know they’re fresh. The great thing about red beets is that they are store well. They lose a bit of tenderness as they are stored but also gain sweetness along the way.

Red beets can be used in many ways, but most frequently they are roasted, which also proves a great way to make them easy to peel.

Golden
Golden beets are milder and sweeter than red beets, and have a more mellow and less earthy flavor all around. If nothing else, golden beets add a bright, zesty yellow color when served roasted or in salads. They’re also nice to add to a pan of roasted vegetables since they don’t stain everything pink the way red beets do. Their flavor is intensified when roasted!

Striped Beets
These varieties are called Chioggia or Bassano and are naturally striped. Some are a subtle yellow-and-orange combination while others come with a brilliant red-and-cream candy cane effect. Use them as you would other beets, and know that the stunning striping usually fades or even disappears when the beets are cooked. They are also sometimes called Candy Stripe or Bull’s Eye Beet.

Health Benefits

Mental Health: Beets contain betaine, a substance that relaxes the mind and is used in other forms to treat depression. It also contains tryptophan (also found in chocolate), which contributes to a sense of well being.

Vitamins Galore: Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, B, & C, beta-carotene, beta-cyanine, folic acid – These are but a few of the many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can be found in beets and beet greens.