If you are wondering how to freeze beets you are in the right place. Freezing beets is incredibly quick and easy and a great way to keep them fresh
If you have bought many beets and you think you will not be able to consume them all, take advantage of them when they are ripe but with a firm texture to freeze them.
So you can incorporate them into various recipes.
And be careful when you prepare the beets! Do not forget that their juices can not only stain your fingers but everything they touch in the kitchen.
So it might be a good idea to wear gloves and take extra precautions to avoid ending up with everything dyed bright pink.
About Beets
Beets were first found wild around the coasts of Europe and North Africa. At first, ancient Romans used beets to make dyes, teas, and for medical purposes.
They use it against constipation, fever, poor circulation, and some even consider beet an aphrodisiac.
Romans started to cultivate the plant only for its leaves and used the root for medical purposes.
Still, little by little, beets began to produce bigger and sweeter bulbs which encouraged people to include them in soups and as a garnish served with vinegar, mustard, and oil.
In later centuries beet farming spread throughout Europe and Asia.
During the 19th century, beets became very popular due to their high concentration of sucrose, attracting the attention of several entrepreneurs for the manufacture of sugar.
The first factory that used sugar beets to create sugar was founded in Poland. Nowadays, the largest producers of beet are Russia, France, United States, and Poland.
Beets are very nutritious and an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
This root vegetable has vitamin C, B, manganese, iron, phosphorus, and potassium.
Another advantage of beets is that they are low in calories. Together with its incredible flavor, it makes it an ingredient that you can use in salads and juices.
Can Beets be frozen?
Of course!. Beets can be frozen for up to 6 months but keep in mind that it is not recommended to freeze raw beets since once thawed, they turn grainy.
It is better to freeze blanched beets.
How to freeze beets (Step by Step)
First, choose the beets for freezing. Use beets with bright colors and are ripe but not soft.
Also, select medium-size beets or choose them the same size, so they cook evenly.
Now, we are ready to start!
Step 1: Trim the tops of your beets, leaving about half an inch of stems to avoid color bleeding when blanching
Step 2:
- Put beets in boiling water until fork-tender.
- Drain.
- Immediately immerse in iced water to prevent overcooking.
Step 3: Peel with a vegetable peeler and remove top stems and bottom roots
Step 4: Slice beets according to your cooking needs
Step 5: Line beets on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours
Step 6: Once frozen enough, place them into freezing bags, label and date them
Step 7: Put back in the freezer for up to 6 to 8 months
FAQs about freezing beets
Can you freeze all types of beets?
Beets come in different varieties; yellow, red, white, or sugar beet, which differs slightly in its shape (it is more conical). And they can all be frozen.
Sugar beets are used mainly for commercial purposes to produce sugar, and it’s rarely used at home.
Can you freeze whole beets?
Yes, you can freeze whole beets.
But since beets vary in size from small to medium, we recommend that you freeze only the small one whole.
And slice the bigger ones for easier conservation and better use when cooking.
Can you freeze cooked beets?
Yes. When you have cooked the beets, you should let them cool completely, remove the skin, and cut them into slices.
Then you place the slices on a baking sheet that you take to the freezer.
Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to plastic bags, so they take up less space.
What is the best way to store frozen beets?
Well, that depends on what you want to do with them once thawed.
You can freeze beets whole, sliced, chopped, or even pureed.
But If you are unsure what you will use them for, it is better to freeze them in big slices.
In that way, you can cut into smaller pieces, grind them or do whatever you want once thawed.
Implements and equipment you need to freeze beets
You will need:
- Vegetable peeler and knife.
- Colander.
- Pot for boiling water.
- Bowl for cold water.
- Baking sheet.
- Plastic bag.
How to thaw beets
The best and easiest way to thaw beets is to put them in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours or overnight or use the defrost function in your microwave.
If using a microwave, remember that beets will turn mushy if heated for a long time.
What can you make with frozen beets?
There are several recipes in which you can use frozen beets:
- Smoothies: Add to your berry smoothie a handful of frozen beets. Also, you can use it with other fruits such as bananas.
- Roasted: You don’t even need to defrost the beets! Place the frozen beets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and take to the oven until roasted.
- Dip: You can make a healthy dip with yogurt, herbs, and spices of your choice.
- Soups: Try to prepare Borscht using frozen beets!
Want to learn more about freezing your favorites?
- Check this post about how to freeze cauliflower
- Read how to freeze asparagus easily and in no time
- Save this post about how to freeze kale easily and in no time
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