Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris) also called beets, is a vegetable that is recognized for its perfect and deep dark red color. It is filled with several therapeutic properties as well. Beetroot has been used in culinary and folk medicine since prehistoric times. Although the roots are the ones of use leaves can also be used later as they together can be very healthy. Beetroot is rich in iron which helps to treat anyone having anemia. It is filled with proteins, fats, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins B1, B2, C, and many vitamins B12 which isn’t something that you will find in most plants. The red color of beetroots originates from a natural plant pigment called Anthocyanins, which can be used for the elimination of any cardiovascular diseases and tumors. There are some other types of beetroots as well that are distinguished by their color like yellow, pink, or dark purple.
Beetroots contain the following that are exceptionally rewarding for your health.
Selenium – it helps you to improve your fertility issues and your immune system
Calcium – amazing for bone health, also plays a major role in the cardiovascular system.
Copper – helps in improving the immune system and maintaining collagen.
How to clean beets?
- Beetroot comprises two parts, the leaves at the top are attached to the beet. The first step is to chop off the beet greens with the roots attached at the end. The roots present can either be removed through a knife or can simply snap through the hand as well.
- After this, place the beetroots in a container to rinse them thoroughly. Make sure to scrub the beets with your hands when rinsing them to remove all the dirt and impurities as they have been pulled out of the ground directly.
- The beet greens that were cut off initially should also be rinsedell. They look almost like lettuce and are pretty large. Hold them through the base and wash with water through them with your fingers all along so that the water gets through every beet green leaf.
- Shake both the beets and beet green leaf to take out the access water. Dry them down with a paper towel.
- You can peel the beetroot raw if you want to use it raw but it’s easier to peel the beet when it’s cooked, as then it won’t stain your hand or make anything dirty.
- Peel it with a vegetable peeler, or a knife whatever suits you better. Peel off any of the cracks present as they are dirty.
- The skin of the cooked beets comes by just rubbing the paper towel around it, after baking it for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
- After this cleaning, you can any recipe you desire with the beetroots.
3 tips for peeling beets
- Peel beets under cold water as this will help you save yourself from any red stains from the beets.
- Some parts of beets might be difficult to clean and scrub out, therefore use a small knife to do so.
- To prevent your hands from getting any sort of stains from the beets, it’s better to wear gloves or use a paper towel to clean them.
Different ways of cook beets after cleaning
The size of the beets determines the time it will take to cook them completely. The following are different methods that can be used to cook beets after cleaning them.
- Sautéing
Cooking beets on a pan will enhance their flavor and can mix well with any other vegetables or the beet green leaf added. This method is a great one to revitalize precooked and leftover beets. Drizzle some oil in a pan over medium flame. After seasoning two to three medium-sized beets with salt and pepper, add them to the pan. Add thyme, rosemary, or any dried seasoning of your choice. Cook for two to three minutes. If you are using raw beets, add three tablespoons of water to the pan and cover them to boil. Cook for 10 extra minutes. Now you can add the beets green and cook until they are softened.
- Grilling
Cover the beets in foil paper to grill them. This will make sure that the beets stay tender. Being covered in the foil will also not dry them out. Any size of beet can be wrapped and used. Preheat the grill to a medium temperature. Now on an aluminum foil, place two medium-sized beets with thyme, salt and pepper, and bay leaves sprinkled on them. Drizzle some olive oil on them. Fold over the beets properly in the foil and make a few small holes in it so that air can pass through. Grill them for 30 to 40 minutes until tender. Once they cool down, peel off the skin and toss it out. Now you can cut it into small pieces or chop them.
- Roasting
The roasting method will balance the beets’ sweetness and raw flavor. Preheat your oven to about 400 F. Wrap the beets individually in the foils and place them on the baking tray. After a couple of minutes, check the roasting beets with a fork to see if it’s tender yet, but if upon checking the beef still looks dried then simply sprinkle water and repeat the process. After they are done, set them aside to cool and rub off the skin by wrapping them in a paper towel. Trim the ends if you like. Cut into whatever shape or way you like.
Beets are pretty easy to grow by yourself as well. The best option is to grow them in spring when the earth has thawed. Your seeds will have transformed into beautiful beets and harvesting should take 8 to 10 weeks. You may restart the procedure in late summer for a fantastic fall crop. According to a study done in 2015 beets are the best source of antioxidants and not only this they also help to protect your blood vessels from any damage. So let’s take advantage of this while we can and try to add beetroot to our daily meals.