Cooked Beets

Beets—the beloved root vegetable with a dark red to deep purple hue—are an integral part of many popular dishes. The health benefits of cooked beets are extensive, as they are a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Whether braised, boiled, roasted, or blended into a soup, beets are a delicious way to get important nutrients in one’s diet. In this blog post, we will trace the journey of a cooked beet from its humble beginnings to the dinner plate.

Harvesting Beets

Beets are an easily cultivated vegetable, as a single beet can be grown from a single seed. As such, the growth cycle of a beet begins when a seed is placed in the soil and watered. Beets enjoy mostly sunny days, and mild temperatures that don’t exceed 75°F (24°C).

The process of harvesting beets from the soil is called “pulling”. This requires gently grasping the leaves of the beet plant, and wiggling it back and forth until the beet lifts out of the soil. Once harvested, the beets need to be washed off and carefully inspected for bruises or damage that might indicate disease.

What’s in a Beet?

Before we begin preparing the beets, let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional powerhouse these root veggies are.

Beets are an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing the body with an important source of roughage which aids in digestion. They are also a great source of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron.

The root of the beet is the most nutrient-dense portion of the vegetable, but the leaves are also edible and highly nutritious. Much like spinach or other leafy greens, the leaves of the beet plant can be cooked and topped with a bit of oil and sea salt for added flavor, providing an additional source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Preparing the Beets

Once the beets have been washed and inspected, they are ready to be prepped for cooking.

The skin of the beet can be peeled with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Additionally, the leaves of the beet can be removed by cutting them from the root of the beet. For some recipes, the leaves are kept intact, but for most dishes the root and leaves are cooked separately.

The most classic preparation of beets is boiling, which is done by adding beets to a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes. After boiling, the beets can be peeled and cut into rounds, wedges, or cubes.

The next most popular preparation of beets is roasting. To roast beets, simply cover them in olive oil, salt and pepper, and wrap them in foil. Pop them into the oven at 375°F and bake the beets until they are tender (about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the beets).

Finally, there is the popular preparation method of braising. Again, start by coating the beets in olive oil, adding a bit of salt and pepper, and wrapping them in foil. Place the foil packet in a 350°F oven and bake the beets until they are tender (about 45 minutes).

Whichever preparation method you choose, beets make a delicious side dish when served with a few simple toppings such as butter, garlic, and dill or parsley. The cooked beets can also be used in soups, stews, and salads.

From Harvest to Plated Dish

Once the beets have been harvested from the soil, washed, and prepped for cooking, they are ready to be used in a variety of dishes.

The most classic preparation method of beets is boiled, which allows for the vegetables’ flavor and bright color to shine through a dish. Boiled beets are best when served as a side dish, accompanying dishes like grilled salmon or steak.

The next popular preparation of beets is roasting, which allows the beets to caramelize and develop a slightly sweet flavor. Roasted beets are wonderful additions to salads and make delicious accompaniments to roasted meats.

Finally, there is the delicious preparation method of braising. Braising helps the flavors of the beets to meld while the vegetables retain their bright color and natural sweetness. Braised beets are a wonderful addition to autumn soups, stews, and casseroles.

No matter how it is prepared, beets are an incredibly versatile and nutrient-dense vegetable that can be used in countless ways in the kitchen. From salads to sides and soups to stews, beets are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can bring a bit of color and flavor to any plate.