Beets

Description:

These vibrant root vegetables have an earthy sweetness and are delicious roasted, pickled, or grated raw into salads.

Nutritional Highlights:

A good source of fiber, folate, and manganese.

Storage & Handling:

• Remove the greens (which can be cooked like other greens) to prevent them from drawing moisture from the beets.
• Sustainable Storage: Store beets in a reusable vegetable storage container or a cloth bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to two weeks. This helps maintain humidity and freshness while reducing plastic waste.
• Avoid washing beets until just before use to prevent premature spoilage.

Cooking Tips:

• Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness and tender texture.
• Pickling beets creates a tangy and flavorful snack or side dish.
• Grate raw beets into salads for a vibrant and nutritious addition.

Recipe Inspiration:

• Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Walnuts & Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/roasted-beet-salad-with-goat-cheese-walnuts-honey-dijon-vinaigrette.html (Once Upon a Chef)
• Refrigerator Pickled Beets: https://thekitchengirl.com/refrigerator-pickled-beets/ (The Kitchen Girl)

Extending the Harvest:

1. Pickling:
   • As mentioned in the recipes, pickling is a great way to preserve beets. Use a vinegar-based brine with spices to create a tangy and long-lasting product.
   • Properly sealed pickled beets can last for several months in the refrigerator.
2. Freezing:
   • Cook beets until tender (boiling or roasting).
   • Once cooled, peel and dice or slice the beets.
   • Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze.
   • Once frozen, transfer the beets to a reusable freezer bag or container.
   • Frozen beets are best used in cooked dishes like soups, stews, or casseroles.
3. Canning:
   • Canning beets is another excellent way to preserve them. Follow tested canning recipes to ensure safety.
   • Canned beets can be stored at room temperature for an extended period.
4. Root Cellaring:
   • If you have a cool, dark, and humid space (like a root cellar), you can store beets for several months.
   • Trim the greens, leaving about an inch of stem.
   • Pack the beets in layers of damp sand or sawdust in a box or bin.
   • Store them at a temperature between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4°C).