I’m round and grow under the ground. My tall green tops taste good in soups and salads, but my red or golden root tastes nice and sweet. What am I? Answer: Beet
For those who grow a garden, is there anyone else who just recently dug up the rest of their crop of beets? Am I the only one? Regardless of having a garden or not, fresh beets may be a favorite of some people, but others may never have eaten or prepared them.
The color of beets range from dark purple to bright red, yellow or white. One variety, Chioggia and nicknamed “candy cane”, is red and white-striped. Beets are a source of potassium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium and fiber. They are also low in calories. Better yet, every part of a beet can be eaten.
Beets can be stored for months under the right conditions. Or, to store them in the refrigerator, rinse under water to remove any soil. Then, remove their greens and place in a plastic bag or wrap in paper towel and store in the crisper drawer. You will need to use them within a few days, otherwise, they will begin to wilt. Do not forget, you can use the tops or beet greens just like any other greens. To freeze, you will want to cook the beets first and then freeze.
Cooking options include roasting, boiling, microwaving, steaming or pickling. They are a snap in the electric pressure cooker, too.
An additional way to have beets for an extended period of time is to dehydrate them—beet chips. After washing and removing the tops and root, evenly slice using a mandolin into 1/8-inch slices. Place slices on a foil-lined baking sheet, and spray or brush with oil. Season with your favorite seasonings or herbs. Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for 45 min or until crisp, making sure all the moisture is gone from the beet chips.
Give it a try and see what you think.
To learn more, contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
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Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
