Beetroot (Beets)
Beetroot is earthy, sweet, and vibrantly colored. It adds depth and natural sweetness to salads, bowls, dips, burgers, and roasts. Whether sliced, diced, or blended, beets bring flavor, fiber, and eye-catching color to everyday meals.
Nutrition
One cup cooked beetroot (~170 g) contains:
✓ Folate and manganese in meaningful amounts;
✓ Potassium, magnesium, and small amounts of iron and Vitamin C;
✓ Fiber that supports fullness and gut health;
✓ Betalain pigments with antioxidant properties.
Beets are naturally low in calories and provide steady carbohydrates for energy.
Health Benefits
Beets provide betalain antioxidants that help counter everyday oxidative stress. Their natural nitrates can support healthy blood flow and exercise performance once converted to nitric oxide. Potassium supports fluid balance and nerve function, while fiber supports digestion and satiety.
Fresh vs. Cooked/Ready
Both are great, but ready-cooked beets offer unbeatable convenience.
✓ Fresh: Roast, steam, or boil until tender if you want more texture control.
✓ Cooked/Steamed (Ready-to-eat): Pre-cooked, peeled, and consistent in texture. Ideal for quick salads, dips, spreads, and bowls.
How to Prepare
- Ready-cooked beets: Pat dry, then slice, dice, or grate. Add to salads and bowls, blend into hummus or spreads, or warm gently in a skillet with aromatics.
- Flavor pairing: Lemon or vinegar balances sweetness. Pair with garlic, mustard, dill, mint, cumin, tahini, walnuts, or orange.
- Color note: Beets stain. Use a cutting board you do not mind tinting and rinse utensils promptly.
Beet Varieties
Red beets are classic and most common. Golden beets are milder and less staining. Chioggia (candy-striped) are beautiful raw or lightly cooked to preserve rings.
Storage
Cooked, ready beets (unopened pack): Refrigerate and use by the date on the package.
Opened, cooked beets: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate 3–4 days.
Fresh raw beets: If using fresh, refrigerate unwashed in a bag. Use within 1–2 weeks. Store greens separately and use within a few days.
Can You Freeze Beets?
Yes. Freeze cooked, cooled beet pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Use within 2–3 months. Best for soups, stews, smoothies, and dips since texture softens after thawing.
What Do We Use?
At DAREBEETS, we use cooked/steamed beets that we buy ready for speed and consistency. We slice them into salads and bowls, blitz them into beet hummus or creamy spreads, and finish with lemon or vinegar to brighten the natural sweetness.
