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Pickled Beets
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Pickled Beets (hot & cold methods) - This pickled beet recipe is tangy, crisp, and perfect on its own as a snack, on top of salads, as an appetizer, or on a charcuterie board. However you have them, make sure you use fresh, in-season beets to maximize your pickled beet experience.
Table of contents
Pickled Beets
Hi Everyone, I'm excited to share this pickled beet recipe with you all
Are pickled beets good for you?
If you've been wondering whether pickled beets are a wholesome addition to your diet, you're in for a treat! Let's explore the goodness these tangy, ruby-red delights bring to the table.
The Nutritional Powerhouse
Pickled beets, with their rich, jewel-like color, are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treasure trove of essential nutrients. These little root vegetables are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can contribute to your overall well-being.
- 1. Fiber Boost: Fiber is your body's best friend when it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Pickled beets, like their fresh counterparts, are a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber keeps things moving smoothly and can aid in promoting regular bowel movements.
- 2. Vitamins Galore: Pickled beets pack a punch when it comes to vitamins. They're particularly rich in vitamin C, which supports your immune system and is essential for healthy skin and wound healing. Additionally, they contain B vitamins like folate, which plays a crucial role in cell division and helps prevent certain birth defects during pregnancy.
- 3. Antioxidant Magic: Antioxidants are like your body's defense squad against harmful free radicals. Pickled beets are loaded with antioxidants like betalains, which not only give them their vibrant hue but also have been linked to potential anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy benefits.
- 4. Minerals for Balance: Minerals are the unsung heroes that keep your body functioning smoothly. Pickled beets offer a good dose of minerals such as potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and manganese, essential for bone health and metabolism.
- 5. Low in Calories: If you're watching your calorie intake, pickled beets can be a great addition to your diet. They're relatively low in calories while providing a burst of flavor and nutrition.
Incorporating Pickled Beets into Your Diet
Now that we've highlighted the nutritional goodness of pickled beets, you might be wondering how to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Salads: Toss pickled beets into your favorite salad for a tangy twist and a burst of color.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Add them to sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Charcuterie Boards: Elevate your charcuterie game by including pickled beets for a pop of color and taste.
- Side Dish: Serve them as a unique and nutritious side dish alongside your main course.
Remember, moderation is key. While pickled beets offer an array of benefits, they are also typically pickled in vinegar and may contain added sugars or salt. So, enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
Pickled beets are indeed a delightful and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. Their fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals make them a standout option for enhancing your overall health. Go ahead and embrace the tangy goodness of pickled beets in your meals, and let their vibrant flavor and nutritional prowess shine on your plate!
How to Make Pickled Beets
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Diets: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1-2 small-medium-sized fresh, in-season beets (peeled), depending on size, including the beet greens, optionally
- 1 cup white vinegar (or the same amount of apple cider vinegar)
- 1 cup filtered water
- ΒΌ cup granulated white sugar, see notes
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed, or 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, optional
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns see notes
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, see notes
- Β½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat), see notes
- Fresh dill or sliced scallions (optional, for added freshness and flavor)
Kitchen Tools
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium saucepan
- 32-ounce mason jars or airtight containers
Recipe Notes
- Pickling Spices Substitute: You can use 2-3 tablespoons of pickling spices in place of the peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes if you wish.
- Sugar: You can omit the sugar entirely but it will be a stronger flavor and lack the sweet-salty element.
- Pickling Liquid: You can change the amount of water and vinegar, depending on the size jar that you use, as long as you keep the ratio 1:1.
- Mason Jars: For this recipe, we used the wide-mouth large (32-ounce mason jars by Anchor Hocking, we affiliate linked a similar jar in this recipe card.
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Pickled Beets
Yield:
32 ounce jar
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
5 minutes
This pickled beet recipe is tangy, crisp, and perfect on its own as a snack, on top of salads, as an appetizer, or on a charcuterie board. However you have them, make sure you use fresh, in-season beets to maximize your pickled beet experience.
Ingredients
- 1-2 small-medium-sized fresh, in-season beets (peeled), depending on size, including the beet greens, optionally
- 1 cup white vinegar (or the same amount of apple cider vinegar)
- 1 cup filtered water
- ΒΌ cup granulated white sugar, see notes
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed, or 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, optional
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns see notes
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, see notes
- Β½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat), see notes
- Fresh dill or sliced scallions (optional, for added freshness and flavor)
Instructions
Heat Method
- Prep the Beets: Wash the beets thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Skin the beets cut off the tail and the greens. You can wash the greens, cut them down to fit in the jar, and include them, if. you like. Slice the beets into thin rounds or half-rounds, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, kosher salt, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), see notes on pickling spice substitution. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
- Pack the Jars: While the pickling liquid is simmering, pack the sliced beets tightly into clean Mason jars or airtight containers. You can use the end of a wood rolling pin if needed to press them down to make more space in the jar. If desired, layer the beets with fresh dill or scallions for added flavor.
- Pickling: Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets (and beet greens, if included), ensuring they are completely submerged. Seal the jars tightly.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the pickled beets to cool to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Let them marinate for at least 24 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together deliciously, enjoy!
NO-HEAT METHOD
- Prep the Beets: Wash the beets thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Skin the beets cut off the tail and the greens. You can wash the greens, cut them down to fit in the jar, and include them, if. you like. Slice the beets into thin rounds or half-rounds, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the Pickling Liquid: In a mixing bowl, combine the white vinegar, cold water, granulated sugar, kosher salt, garlic clove(s), black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), see notes on pickling spices substitution. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Pack the Jars: Pack the sliced beets (and greens, if included) tightly into clean Mason jars or airtight containers. You can use the end of a rolling pin the press them down to make more space in the jar. Add fresh dill or sliced scallions between the layers, if desired.
- Pickling: Pour the cold pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Refrigerate:Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. For best results, let the beet pickles marinate for a few days to develop their full flavor, enjoy!
Notes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned #ad
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Homestia Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 8 PIECE for Dry and Liquid Ingredients Engraved Measurement Heavy Duty Baking & Cooking Utensils -
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set (3-Piece, Microwave and Oven Safe),Clear
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Creative Co-Op Floral Hand Stamped Stoneware Measuring Cups (Set of 4 Sizes/Designs)
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Cuisinart 719-16 Chef's Classic Stainless Saucepan with Cover, 1 Β½ Quart
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Ateco 20175 French Rolling Pin,20-Inch, Solid Maple Wood, Made in Canada
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OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Utensil Set
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Weck Mold Jar Combo Packs (Standard)
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2 Mason Jar Wide Mouth 32 oz. (Quart) with Lid and Band - Clear
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 43Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 523mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g
Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best. If you make this recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating β it helps others find the recipe!
- First published: 8/9/2023
Owner at Life's Little Sweets
Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.
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Margaret says
How long will pickled beets stay good in refrigerator?
Sara Maniez says
Hello Margaret, Homemade pickled beets, when stored in the refrigerator, can last for approximately 1 to 3 months while maintaining their quality. To maximize their freshness and shelf life, follow these tips:
Use Sterilized Jars: When preparing and canning pickled beets at home, ensure that the jars and lids are properly sterilized before use. This helps prevent spoilage and extends their shelf life.
Airtight Containers: Transfer the pickled beets into a clean, airtight glass or plastic container. Make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent air and contaminants from getting in.
Refrigeration: Store the container of homemade pickled beets in the refrigerator at a constant temperature (usually around 40Β°F or 4Β°C). Keep them away from temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight.
Inspect for Spoilage: Periodically check the pickled beets for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, mold, or changes in texture or color. If any of these issues are present, it's best to discard them.
Use Clean Utensils: When serving pickled beets, always use clean utensils to avoid introducing contaminants.
The quality of homemade pickled beets may gradually decline over time, but if stored and handled properly, they can remain safe to eat for the recommended 1 to 3 months. Always use your best judgment and the appearance and odor of the pickled beets to determine their freshness. If in doubt, it's safer to discard them rather than risk food-borne illness. Hope that helps!