What Does it Taste Like?

Beets have a unique flavor that is often described as earthy, sweet, and slightly bitter. The flavor can vary depending on the type, size, and freshness of the beet, as well as the cooking method. Generally, smaller and younger beets are sweeter and more tender, while larger and older beets are more starchy and bitter.

The roots have a firm and crunchy texture when raw, and a soft and smooth texture when cooked. They can be cooked or pickled, used in salads, soups, stews, dips, juices, smoothies, cakes, and more.

The greens have a mild, sweet, and slightly earthy flavor that is similar to spinach or chard. They are less bitter than kale or collard greens, and more palatable for many people. Beet greens have a chewy and tender texture that becomes softer with cooking. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and they can be used in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, omelets, quiches, and more.

Varieties we grow

Touchstone Gold

Touchstone Gold is a yellow beet that has a bright and uniform color. It has a rich and complex flavor that is tangy and fruity. It has a crisp and tender texture that retains its color when cooked. It has a herbal and spicy aroma that complements other herbs and spices. Touchstone Gold is ideal for salads, slaws, pickling, or steaming.

Avalanche

Avalanche is a white beet that has a smooth and round shape. It has a sweet and mild flavor that does not have the earthy or bitter taste of red beets. It has a creamy and juicy texture that is easy to cook and eat. It has a light and pleasant aroma that is similar to honey and caramel. Avalanche is a great choice for roasting, baking, or even eating raw.

Early Wonder

Early Wonder an heirloom variety of beet that produces deep red roots and tender greens. The roots have a sweet and earthy flavor, with a smooth and firm texture. The greens are also edible and taste like spinach.

Boldor

This is a unique variety of beet that has a golden-yellow color and a mild flavor. The roots are round and slightly flattened, with a smooth and crisp texture. The leaves are light green and have yellow stems. Boldor is a sweet and juicy beet that is great for juicing, shredding in salads, or roasting.

Why Should I Eat It?

Beets are low in calories and high in many vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that have various health benefits.

Beets are especially rich in folate, a B vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and fetal development. Folate also helps prevent birth defects, anemia, and homocysteine accumulation, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Beets are also a good source of manganese, a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions, such as antioxidant defense, metabolism, bone formation, and wound healing. Manganese also supports brain function, nerve transmission, and hormonal balance.

Additionally, beets are high in potassium, a mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. Potassium also protects against stroke, kidney stones, and osteoporosis.

Beets also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and iron absorption. Vitamin C also helps prevent scurvy, infections, and oxidative damage.

Moreover, beets are rich in betalains, which are pigments that give beets their red, purple, or yellow color. Betalains have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, and they may modulate various cellular pathways and gene expression.

Beets also contain nitrates, which are compounds that are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a molecule that dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and enhances exercise performance.

Beets

July - September

If you're looking for a vegetable that can brighten up your plate and boost your health, you might want to give beets a try. Beets are root vegetables that come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. They have a long history of cultivation and consumption around the world, and they’re not only delicious but also nutritious. And, if your beets come with the greens still attached, don't toss them out! Beet greens are edible and tasty, and they offer a range of health benefits.

Recommended Storage

Refrigerate

How Do I Store It?

Short Term

Beets can last for a long time if stored properly. Here are some tips on how to store beets:

Beet Roots: Fresh beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Cut off the greens and any roots before storing them, as they can draw moisture and nutrients from the bulbs. Store the bulbs in a plastic bag with some air holes, and store the greens in a separate plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Beet Greens: Fresh beet greens can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wash and dry them before storing them, and remove any wilted or damaged leaves.

Long Term

‍Freezing: Freezing beet roots can retain their color, texture, and flavor for up to six months. To freeze them, peel, chop, and blanch them for three minutes, then cool, drain, and pack them in freezer bags or containers. You can also freeze blanched beet greens for up to 6 months.
Pickling: Pickling beets can enhance their tanginess, crunchiness, and color, and extend their shelf life for up to a year. To pickle beets, peel, slice, and pack them in sterilized jars, then pour a hot brine over them and seal the jars. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Canning: Canning beets can maintain their flavor, texture, and nutrients for up to a year. To can beets, peel, chop, and pack them in sterilized jars with salt and boiling water, leaving some headspace. Process the jars in a pressure canner for 35 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.
Dehydrating: Dehydrated beet chips are a crisp and sweet snack that can keep for up to a year. To dehydrate beets, peel, slice, and blanch them for three minutes, then dry them in a dehydrator or oven at 125°F for six to eight hours, until brittle.

How Do I Cook It?

There are many ways to cook beets, both roots and greens, and each method can affect their flavor and texture.

Here are some of the best methods for cooking beets roots:

Roasting: Roasting is one of the most popular and easy ways to cook beets. It brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes their edges. To roast beets, peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces, toss them with oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you like, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway, until fork-tender.
Boiling: Boiling is another simple and quick way to cook beets. It makes them soft and juicy, and preserves their color and nutrients. To boil beets, peel and chop them into cubes, and add them to a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beets are tender, about 15 to 25 minutes. Drain and enjoy.
Steaming: Steaming is a gentle and healthy way to cook beets. It retains their moisture and nutrients, and prevents them from losing their color and flavor. To steam beets, peel and chop them into wedges, and place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam until the beets are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Grilling: This one may come as a surprise, but beets actually grill really well! The high heat of the grill not only helps them to caramelize beautifully, but also adds an intriguing hint of smokiness. To grill, peel the beets and cut them into 1/4 in slices. Brush them with a little oil, then pop on the grill for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Here are some of the best methods for cooking beets greens:

Raw: Beet greens can make a great addition to salads and smoothies. Just wash them, chop them into bite-size pieces.
Sauteing: Sauteing is a quick and easy way to cook beet greens. It wilts them and enhances their flavor. To saute beet greens, wash and dry them, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Heat some oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add some minced garlic, onion, or shallot, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the beet greens, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like, such as red pepper flakes, vinegar, lemon juice, or sugar, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Steaming: Steaming is a gentle and healthy way to cook beet greens. It retains their moisture and nutrients, and prevents them from losing their color and flavor. To steam beet greens, wash and dry them, and chop them into wedges, and place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam until the beet greens are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Recommended Recipes

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What Goes Well With It?

Beets have a mild and slightly sweet flavor yet earthy that can pair well with many different ingredients. Here are some of the best flavor pairings for beets:

Dairy: Beets have a mild, sweet, and slightly earthy flavor that can benefit from the richness, saltiness, and tanginess of dairy products, such as butter, cheese, sour cream, and crème fraîche. Dairy products can also balance the bitterness of beets and enhance their natural sweetness. The greens also pair well with cheese. Cheese adds creaminess, saltiness, and tanginess to the earthy and sweet beet greens.
Citrus: Beets and citrus are another wonderful pairing, for both the roots and the greens. Citrus adds acidity, brightness, and sweetness to the bland and bitter beets. Some of the best citrus fruits to pair with beets are lemon, orange, grapefruit, or lime.
Nuts: Beets and nuts are a crunchy and nutty pairing. Nuts add texture, flavor, and healthy fats to the soft and starchy beets. Some of the best nuts to pair with beets are walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or pecans.
Herbs: Beets and herbs are a fresh and aromatic pairing. Herbs add freshness, aroma, and flavor to the earthy and starchy beets. Some of the best herbs to pair with beets are dill, mint, parsley, basil, or cilantro.
Spices: Beets and spices are a spicy and exotic pairing. Spices add heat, color, and complexity to the mild and sweet beets. Some of the best spices to pair with beets are cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger. The greens pair particularly well with horseradish and mustard.