According to WDRB, despite all their benefits — a high nutritional profile, a natural sweetness, and a vibrant color that should make beets a favorite vegetable — they aren’t. But there are many good reasons why they should.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, beets contain potassium and vitamin C. Department of Agriculture. Cleveland Clinic cites beets for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Beets also contain nitrates. The research found that these compounds support heart health. The leaves or greens of the beet are edible. So the root can come in various colors, including white, red, or yellow (Chioggia).
Brittanica says that while beets have an earthy flavor, they are naturally sweet. A variety called sugar beets is used to produce commercial sugar. They are great in everything from hummus and beetroot lattes to roasted or raw beets.
Beets have only one potential downside: preparing them. Due to the pigments in their betalains, they can be complicated and messy. Follow these steps, and you will roast beets every time.
Beets can be cooked in a variety of ways.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Trim the tops and bottoms off beets. Reserve beet leaves for another use if you wish.
- Wash beets thoroughly with water. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil tightly and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a knife easily slides into the middle of the beets.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. When the aluminum foil is cool enough to touch, remove it carefully from each beet. Remove the beet’s skin using a paper towel or the backside of a wooden spoon. Cut beets into desired sizes.
Beet Hummus
Ingredients
- One can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
- 1 Roasted Beet, Skin removed and quartered
- Juice 2 lemons
- 3 tbsp tahini
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup
- 1 tsp cumin ground
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
Directions
- 1
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor for about a minute.
