7 Things to Do with Beets (and Beetroot)

If you’re looking for a versatile and healthy vegetable to add to your diet, look no further than beetroot. Beets are delicious cooked in a variety of ways, and they’re also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on how to store, use and cook beetroot. We’ll also share some recipes so you can get started!

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What is beet?

Rich in flavor and vibrant in color, beets are a beloved healthy vegetable of many families. With a sweet taste and earthy aroma, beets can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. High in Fiber, Folate, Manganese, Potassium and Vitamins A and C, adding this root vegetable to your regular rotation will soon become your favorite thing to do!

From blending into your morning smoothie to tossing into a delicious salad bowl or adding to a roasted side dish — whatever you decide, incorporating beets into your diet is no doubt rewarding. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-make side dish or just something different to add excitement to your plate, nothing beats (pun intended!) the earthy goodness of beets!

Beet vs beetroot?

Ever heard of a beet and a beetroot, but thought they sounded very similar? Don’t worry – you’re not the only one! In general, the terms are used interchangeably, however while they are related they do have some notable differences.

Beetroots are small root vegetables (typically rounded), while beets refer to the entire vegetable, which includes both the root and leaves. The leaves of beets are edible and can make a great addition to any salad. On the other hand, beetroots are most popular for being used in soups or for adding a tangy flavor when pickled.

Beetroots also tend to contain more natural sugars than beets, making them sweet enough to snack on raw.

Can you eat beet skin?

Beet skin is perfectly safe to eat and can be eaten both raw and cooked. Eating the skin of a beet can provide you with many of the same nutrients and antioxidants as the beet itself. Raw beet skin has a slightly sweet taste, while cooked beet skins may have a hard texture and be slightly bitter. To ensure that your beet skin is safe to eat, make sure to scrub it carefully before consuming.

Turnip vs beet

Do you know the difference between turnip and beet? While both are root vegetables, they have distinct differences in flavor and nutrition.

Turnips have a milder flavor than beets, with a hint of sweetness. They are also lower in sugar and higher in vitamins than beets. Turnips are an excellent source of Vitamin C, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Beets on the other hand have a more earthy flavor with a slightly sweet taste. Beets are high in sugar but also contain significant amounts of folate, manganese and Vitamin B6.

In terms of nutrition, turnips provide more calcium and thiamin than beets while beets offer more Vitamin A and Vitamin E than turnips. Both vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on your preference.

Overall, both turnip and beet are nutritious root vegetables that can add variety to any meal!

Radish vs beet

Radish and beet are two different types of vegetables, but they have some similarities. Radishes are usually smaller and lighter in color than beets, with a white flesh. Beets have a much deeper and darker shade, with an uneven surface. When cooked, radishes tend to become milder in flavor while beets remain sweet and earthy.

Nutritionally, radishes have fewer calories than beets. Radishes also contain less fat and carbohydrates than beets. Additionally, radishes have a higher water content than beets which makes them more hydrating.

Overall, both radish and beet are nutritious vegetables that can add flavor and texture to your meals. They each offer unique benefits so it’s best to include both in your diet for maximum nutrition!

What is beet sugar?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between cane sugar and beet sugar? Beet sugar is derived from the sugar beet plant, a root vegetable closely related to beetroot and chard. It is 99.9% sucrose, making it an ideal substitute for cane sugar in most recipes.

Beet sugar is obtained by countercurrent extraction of sugar beet slices (called cossettes) until the liquor contains about 12% sugar. The liquor is agitated and then clarified before being concentrated to crystallize the sucrose. Once crystallized, it can be dried and packaged for sale as granulated or powdered sweetener.

Beet sugar has a slightly different flavor than cane sugar, but both are made up of 99.95 percent sucrose with only a minuscule fraction of impurities. Both are excellent sweeteners that can be used interchangeably in baking and cooking recipes.

How to store beets

Fresh beets should always be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They can be kept in a sealed plastic bag or container for up to two weeks. Before storing, make sure the beets are clean and dry to avoid contamination or spoilage.

It is also important to keep the beets separated so that the flavors do not mix. To keep them fresh for longer, store them in a refrigerator with a temperature between 33-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

What can you substitute for beets?

If you are looking for a substitute for beets, there are several options to choose from. Carrots can provide the same sweet flavor as beets and can be used in dishes like salads or soups. Parsnips and turnips also offer similar sweetness and texture.

For more robust dishes, potatoes offer a denser texture than beets and can easily be cooked with other vegetables to create an interesting flavor profile. Whatever ingredient you choose, make sure that it provides the same flavor and texture as the original recipe calls for.

Things to do with beet

Simple beet hummus

Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dish made with chickpeas, tahini and plenty of garlic. To make it extra special, give it a unique twist by adding beets! This Beet Hummus has a naturally sweet flavor and a vibrant pink color that is sure to wow your guests. Ingredients:

• 2 medium cooked beets (or 1 can of pre-cooked beets)
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can of pre-cooked chickpeas)
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• Juice from ½ lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the cooked beets if desired and chop into small cubes. Set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked chickpeas and garlic until smooth. Add in the chopped beets and tahini and blend until everything is blended together evenly.
3. Slowly add in the lemon juice while blending on low speed until desired consistency is reached.
4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy!

Beet slaw recipe

Looking for a fresh, healthy side dish to serve up at your next BBQ? Look no further than this easy Beet Slaw recipe! It’s full of crunchy vegetables and coated with a tangy vinaigrette that will have the whole family coming back for seconds. Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets, grated
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grated beets, carrots, red cabbage, and parsley. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
2. In a small bowl or jar, mix together the white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or agave nectar, salt and pepper until combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Spiralized beet salad recipe

This Spiralized Beet Salad is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy beets! Packed with colorful vegetables and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing, it’s sure to be the star of any meal. Plus, you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen – spiralizing takes no time at all! Ingredients:

• 2 large beets, spiralized
• 1 large cucumber, chopped
• 1 avocado, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Juice from ½ lemon
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the spiralized beets, cucumber, avocado and cherry tomatoes. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
2. In a small bowl or jar, mix together the lemon juice, tahini and extra virgin olive oil until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired before serving. Enjoy!

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This salad is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, while the balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity.

Ingredients

• 2 cooked red beets, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
• Handful of mixed greens (like spinach, arugula and Romaine)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together diced beets and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
3. Gently fold in crumbled goat cheese until evenly distributed throughout beets.
4. Arrange mixed greens on plate or bowl of your choice and top with beet mixture. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired before serving. Enjoy!

Roasted Beet and Arugula Pizza

This delicious pizza is a great way to enjoy the flavors of roasted beets and the crunchy texture of arugula. It’s an easy dish to make, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cooked red beets, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pre-made pizza dough
• 4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
• Handful of fresh arugula leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on the baking sheet. Prick all over with a fork so that it doesn’t puff up too much during baking.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil and diced beets to coat them evenly with the oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Spread the beet mixture evenly over the pizza dough and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Take out pizza from oven and sprinkle goat cheese over top followed by arugula leaves if desired before serving warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Beet and Feta Dip

This delicious dip is the perfect combination of sweet beets and tangy feta cheese. It’s a great dish to serve as an appetizer or snack and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 cooked red beets, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Spread diced beets onto baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a food processor.
3. In the food processor, add cooled beets, feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil and garlic. Pulse until desired consistency is reached (it should still have some texture).
4. Transfer mixture to serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped fresh dill if desired before serving at room temperature with crackers or crusty breads for dipping. Enjoy!

Beet Soup

This creamy beet soup is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of beets. It’s easy to make and can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cooked red beets, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the diced beets, potato, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend soup until desired consistency is reached (it should still have some texture). Season with salt and pepper as desired before serving hot or chilled with your favorite toppings like crème fraiche or sour cream. Enjoy!

Making more with beets

From roasted beets and arugula pizzas to creamy beet soups, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy the flavors of this versatile vegetable. Beets can also add a unique flavor profile to dips and salads that will make your meals more exciting. With these recipes as inspiration, you now have all the tools necessary to create amazing new dishes with beets in them!

So why not get creative in the kitchen today? Start experimenting with different combinations of ingredients and see what tasty treats you come up with!