Pickling beets at home is a great way to preserve their flavor and texture for later use.
All you need are basic kitchen supplies and ingredients, and you can have delicious pickled beets in no time.
How to pickle beets at home
To pickle beets, you will need basic ingredients such as beets, water, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
First, you will need to wash and trim the beets, leaving about an inch of stem and root on each.
Next, place the beets in a large pot and cover them with water.
Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook the beets for about 30 minutes or until they are tender.
Once the beets are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool.
Next, make the pickling liquid by combining water, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a pot and bringing it to a boil.
Once the pickling liquid is boiling, carefully place the beets into the pot.
Allow the beets to simmer in the pickling liquid for about 5 minutes.
Once the beets have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Ingredients
- 6 beets
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill weed (optional)
Directions
1. Wash and trim the stems from the beets, then rinse them thoroughly. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes until beets are soft when pierced with a knife. Drain off the hot water and allow it to cool slightly before handling.
2. Slice or dice the cooked beets into bite-size pieces, then place them in a jar or other sealable container.
3. Add apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and garlic to a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, frequently stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
4. Remove from the heat and add fresh dill weed (if desired). Carefully pour the liquid over the beets in the jar, then seal them with a lid. Allow mixture to cool at room temperature before transferring to refrigerator for storage.
5. Pickled beets can be eaten immediately or marinated in their pickling liquid for several days before consuming them for optimal flavor and texture.
Pre-cooking the beets
Pre-cooking the beets before pickling is an easy way to reduce their cooking time in the brine.
You can boil, steam or roast your beets until just tender.
Roasting is perfect for bringing out the sweetness of the beets.
After pre-cooking, peel and cut the beets as desired before adding them to your pickling liquid.
What goes well with pickled beets?
Pickled beets are often served as a side dish or appetizer, but they can also be added to salads and sandwiches for extra flavor.
They pair well with pickled vegetables such as cucumbers, onion, and peppers and creamy cheeses like feta or goat cheese.
Try pairing pickled beets with pita bread, hummus, and fresh greens for a delicious lunch.
How long do pickled beets last?
Pickled beets should last for at least 3-4 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Be sure to check periodically for signs of spoilage and discard any beets that have an off smell or appearance.
Are pickled beets good for you?
Pickled beets are a good source of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber.
They also contain antioxidants which may help protect against some chronic diseases.
Eating pickled beets in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. The most significant benefit of pickled beets is they are full of flavor and a great way to add variety to your meals.
Pickled beets can also help support digestion and may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
However, it’s important to remember that pickles should still be consumed in moderation as they may contain high sodium levels.
Be sure to check nutrition labels for sodium content before consuming.
What kind of beets should you use to make pickled beets?
When pickling beets, it is best to use medium-sized beets that have smooth and even skin.
Be sure to choose firm and vibrant beets for the best results. Avoid soft spots or wrinkles, as these may not have the best texture when cooked.
For optimal flavor, try mixing different colored beets, such as red, golden, and striped varieties.
This will create an eye-catching presentation in your pickles!
Can you eat pickled beets right away?
You can eat them after they’ve cooled, but they’ll taste even better if allowed to marinate in their pickling liquid overnight or longer.
The flavor of the beets will become more intense and the texture more tender with time.
It’s worth noting that beets can darken in color once cooked and lose some of their vibrant hues over time.
This is normal – enjoy your pickles within a few weeks for optimal color and flavor.
Sterilizing Your Mason Jar
Mason jars are a versatile tools for storage, preserving, and canning.
Whether you’re storing leftovers or pickling vegetables, it’s essential to take the time to properly sterilize your mason jar before using it.
This will help ensure that any bacteria in the jar are killed off and won’t ruin whatever food you store inside.
To sterilize your mason jars, boil them for 10 minutes.
Afterward, let them cool down completely before use! Following this simple step will go a long way in making sure your food stays fresh and safe
Making the Pickle Brine
It’s no secret that making the perfect pickle brine is an art.
From the mixture of herbs and spices to getting the right amount of saltiness, it takes a lot of practice to get it just right.
But don’t worry if you’re still learning!
With some patience and experimentation, you’ll be able to find your unique mix that will give your pickles precisely what they need for optimal flavor.
And once you have that recipe down, there’s no.
T.hings like knowing that your homemade jams are as good as or better than anything from the store — without all those added
Filling the Mason Jar with Beets and Brine
When I heard about the idea of filling a Mason jar with beets and brine, my first thought was, “That’s genius!”
It sounded like such a creative way to use all those beets sitting in my refrigerator.
Plus, I love pickled vegetables, so this seemed an obvious choice.
So, I decided to try it and see how it would turn out.
After boiling the beets for about 20 minutes and mixing toge.ther some vinegar, sugar, water, and spices – voila!
A delicious batch of homemade pickled beets
Sealing and Storing Your Pickled Beets
Canning and pickling your beets is a great way to enjoy them all year round!
After you have finished the canning process, you must store your jars of beets properly to keep them as fresh and delicious as possible.
Here are some tips to help ensure proper storage: make sure the lids on each jar are sealed tightly.
Place the jars away from direct sunlight in a cool dark area, such as a pantry or cupboard.
Avoid storing near any sources of heat since this may cause spoilage; lastly, check the jars periodically for any signs of spoilage and discard any beets that have an off smell or appearance.
Final Thoughts
Pickling beets is an easy way to preserve and enjoy this sweet root vegetable.
Picflavorful is full of flavor and adds a nice crunchy texture to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
When done correctly, pickled beets can last for several weeks in the refrigerator and make a great addition to any meal.
For best results, choose firm vibrant beets and allow them to marinate in their pickling liquid overnight or longer before consuming.
Enjoy!
