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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).