How To Use Beets!

Beets are very versatile vegetables. Not only that, but they are super healthy for you. Beets go great in salads and juice, but they can also be made into dips, like hummus, and noodles! Let's take a closer look at what beets have in store.

Fresh Beets

Cut Beets

There's plenty of ways to use beets in your dishes. You eat them raw if you prefer the earthy flavor and crunch of beets. Of course, you can always cook them various ways to enjoy the softness and natural sweetness of the vegetable.

• TIP: The red color of the beets will stain your hands if you touch the peeled beet. You might consider gloves or being sure to use utensils.

We recommend you boil the beets whole before cutting into them so you have an easier time. You can either boil beets to get a tender texture or roast them to enhance the sweetness.

• TIP: When roasting the beets, wrap them in tin foil. That keeps the juice from running out and helps them cook faster.

• TIP: After the beets are cooked and still a little bit warm is the easiest time to take the skin off the beets. If you wrap your hand in paper towel and grasp the beet, the skin should slide right off. It won't hurt you if you want to eat it, but it is more tough and less enjoyable.

Pickling beets are also a great option if you want a tangy addition to your salad or sandwich. Borscht, a soup made with beets as the main ingredient, is a great option for first time use of beets! You can make this soup with meat, as it is usually done, but you can always omit the meat and make it vegan.

Pickled Beets in a jar

Borscht in a bowl

Here's something I bet you didn't know: you don't need to throw out the beet greens! They are completely edible and quite delicious too. Just like the beets themselves, you can use the greens a variety of ways, like a simple sauté or add them to salads or soups. Linked here is a super easy pesto recipe using beet greens! These greens are much like swiss chard or spinach, so you can use them in place of other leafy greens.

Fresh Beet Greens

Sauteed Beet Greens

Beets are known to have a bunch of health benefits, too! They are low in calories and have plenty of nutrients, providing you with many of the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Some studies show that beets have the ability to lower elevated blood pressure. Along with that, beets have pigments called betalains, which have anti-inflammatory properties, making beets a natural option for fighting inflammation. Beets are high in fiber, which means they also help with digestive health. Who knew beets could do so much for the human body?

If you have found one of the recipes in this blog interesting or have your own idea on what to do with beets, come pick some up at the Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm Market! Markets are every Saturday until Mid-September, from 9am to 1pm. We'd love to see you!