What is the Healthiest Way to Cook Beets?
The healthiest way to cook beets is by steaming them. This method not only retains the nutrients that are lost when boiling, it also preserves their color and vibrant glow.
Beets are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help maintain your health. They are a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted, or pickled. They also have a distinctive flavor and are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
They are easy to prepare and can be served in a variety of different ways, such as a side dish, a salad, or a snack. They are low in calories and contain a variety of essential nutrients like folate, calcium, copper, iron, and zinc.
Boiling beets is the easiest and most popular way to cook them. It is a time-saving option that doesn’t require much prep work and results in tender, sweet beets.
However, if you are not a fan of the taste that comes from boiling, try roasting them instead. This method adds a little sweetness to the beets and makes them easier to peel.
You can use this method with large or small beets and it only takes about an hour to cook them. Be sure to choose beets that are about the same size so they cook evenly.
After cooking, beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 12 months.
To keep beets fresher for longer, wash them carefully before storing. Then, trim off the tops and bottoms. Leave about one inch of the stems attached. You can also save the greens for another recipe.
When storing beets, place them in a paper bag and put it in a container that has an airtight lid. This helps to preserve the beets’ natural juices, which prevent them from turning rancid.
If you want to keep your beets fresher for longer, make sure to remove the skin before storing them in the refrigerator. You can rub the skin away with a paper towel and then peel it off when you’re ready to eat them.
To make roasted beets, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the tops and bottoms off beets, reserving beet greens for another purpose if desired.
Then, cut each beet into 1/2- to 1-inch cubes or wedges. Combine the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how large the beets are.
When done, remove the beets from the oven and allow them to cool. Once they are cooled, peel them with a paper towel or a clean knife.
Beets are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be made with many different ingredients. They are also a great source of betalains, which give them their red pigment. These compounds are healthy for your heart and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties that are good for your body.
