Just Beet It! 18 of Our Favorite Root Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a fun fact about beet root? ›

The Romans regarded beetroot as an aphrodisiac, as they did almost anything edible! Early Roman recipes suggest cooking the leaves with wine and honey. An Assyrian text of around 800BC describes beetroot growing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The iconic beet is a bulbous root with a purple skin and a rich red interior from which dark green glossy leaves sprout on reddish stalks. Beets also come in yellowish and white varieties. Beets have an earthy, rich, vegetal smell raw.

Steaming beets is a healthful cooking method because they retain most of their vitamins and minerals—they're not boiled out in water—and stay incredibly vibrant. Plus, steaming small beets or beet quarters is quick and easy for weeknights.

Wash the beets gently, making sure that you don't tear the skins, then place in a pan of warm water, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer until tender – around 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, you can steam whole beetroot or bake them in the oven for 2–3 hours at 150°C/gas mark 2.

Packed with nutrition, beets have antioxidants like betalains that fight cell damage and inflammation, potentially offering protection against cancer and heart disease. Health benefits of beets include more stamina during exercise, heart disease and stroke prevention, and lower blood pressure.

Packed with essential nutrients, beetroots are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beetroots and beetroot juice have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance.

Beetroot juice contains dietary fibre that helps remove digestive waste through the intestines, thereby proving beneficial for people with constipation. However, consuming chopped beetroot added to salad can be more beneficial in such cases.

Can you eat beets everyday? It's always best to follow a varied diet. Eating a small amount of beetroot every day is unlikely to do any harm, but a high intake could lead to low blood pressure, red or black urine and feces, and digestive problems for anyone with a sensitivity to the nutrients.

All parts of fresh beets can be eaten raw or cooked. Recipes for cooking the roots may include roasting, boiling, microwaving, steaming, or pickling. While they can be eaten raw, leaves and stems are often sautéed or added to liquid to cook.

Although beetroot sensitization was not proven, uncommon mild reactions to beetroot may include itchiness or rash after excessive consumption. While consuming beetroot as part of a daily diet is beneficial, about 2 cups of beets could help power you through the day.

Why do you put vinegar on beetroot? ›

Beets are naturally sweet and earthy, making them a versatile vegetable to incorporate into your meals. By adding vinegar to the boiling process, you can elevate the flavors of beets and give them a delightful tangy kick.

Some research suggests that both types of beets may have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Both types of beets are also rich in antioxidants, which may help to protect against cellular damage and support overall health.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir shredded beets in hot butter until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour water over the beets, cover skillet with a lid, and simmer beets until completely softened, about 10 minutes. Stir balsamic vinegar with the beets; season with salt and pepper.

Roast Them

Roasting is an overall healthy cooking method with minimal vitamin loss, particularly vitamin C. Roasted beets are rich and sweet with slight mineral flavors. Remember to avoid long cooking times and high temperatures, as these can reduce nutrients. Try using smaller bulbs if you want to prepare them faster.

Beet roots and stems are edible and a good source of vitamin A, C, folate, calcium, and fiber. They contain many antioxidants such as betalains, carotenoids, and flavonoids which prevent colon cancer and protect heart health. Beet juice can be used as a red dye. Beets are also known as the blood turnip.

The beet plant is a biennial, which means that it lives for two years. The root forms in the first year. In garden beets, the root is thick and usually round. It measures 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 centimeters) across when fully grown.

It is the more common term in the United States, while "beetroot" is more common in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. The term "beets" comes from the Old English word "beten," which means "beet." The term "beetroot" comes from the Middle English word "betewurt," which means "beet root."

Fairy tales aside, the beet is indeed a remarkable vegetable. It is best known for its edible root, which comes in a variety of colors—from fiery red and deep purple, to vibrant orange and golden yellow. Its sugar can also be extracted for use as a sweetener.