Red beets are a very healthy food that you should include into your diet. These beets are very rich in nutrients and are so nutritious. They contain high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which prevent heart diseases and cancer, and they also help to prevent high blood pressure as well as control diabetes and arthritis. Red Beets are very beneficial for your health.
This is one of the most common vegetables on Earth and a nutritional powerhouse that can help you lose weight, improve your heart health and ward off cancer.
Red beets are a unique vegetable that’s related to the beetroot and turnip roots. They’re commonly used as a garnish on top of salads or soups, but are also consumed in smaller quantities in pickled form. Red beets contain a lot of calcium, potassium, iron and other minerals, along with the vitamin C and beta-carotene.
A Quick Look
Beets, sometimes known as red beets, are a type of root vegetable. They are spherical and deep crimson in color, and they grow on a lush green stem. Vitamins C, A, and folate are abundant in beets. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are also abundant in them. If kept in a cold, dark, and dry environment, beets can be stored for a long time. Fresh beets frequently come with their greens attached; if this is the case, prepare and consume the greens as well, as they are pleasant and healthful. Beets have a rough outer skin that must be removed before eating, but it is easiest to do so after the beets have been cooked. Beets can be cooked in two ways: roasting or boiling.
Overview
Root vegetables, such as beets, are a form of root vegetable. There are many different types of beets, including red beets. Pink, golden, white, striped, and baby are some of the other kinds. Beets are accessible all year, although they are at their peak in the late summer and early fall.
Identification
Beets with a rich red color are known as red beets. The body of the beet is spherical, with a diameter of 1.5 to 3 inches. Beets feature a green leafy stalk with a root that resembles a tail.
Nutritional Information
75 calories, 2.9 grams of protein, 16.9 grams of carbs, 3.4 grams of fiber, 0.3 grams of fat, and 13.5 grams of sugar are included in one cup of sliced, boiling beets.
Vitamins C, A, and folate are abundant in beets. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium are also abundant in them.
Selection
Beets can be found in the produce area of your grocer. Look for beets that are firm, spherical, and smooth, with a deep color and a smooth surface. Choose beets with a diameter of no more than 3 inches; beets with a diameter of more than 3 inches may become rough and fibrous. Beets should be about 1.5 inches in diameter.
The greens should be linked to fresh beets, which are commonly available in bunches. A 1 to 2 inch root end, which resembles a slender tail, should be present on fresh beets.
Beets with wilted, browning leaves should not be purchased; the verdant greens show the freshness of the beets. Look for bunches with at least 2 inches of stem attached if the greens have been clipped.
Storage
First, as soon as you arrive home from the supermarket, trim the greens off the beets, leaving 1 to 2 inches of stem attached. They can be kept in the fridge for up to ten days. When the beets go soft, they are no longer edible.
Note: Beet greens can also be eaten! They should be washed and cooked the same day they are purchased because they do not store well. Keep them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator if you want to store them overnight.
Preparation
Start by removing the greens and tail. The greens should be saved because they can be eaten as well. Steaming beet greens until just wilted is a simple way to cook them.
After cleaning the beets, prepare them according to your preference. There are two possibilities:
Option 1: Roast the beets individually in tin foil (as you would a white potato). Cook until soft, about 45 minutes in a preheated 400F oven. When you can easily poke holes in them with a fork, you know they’re done. After the beets are cooked, run the tin foil under cold water for a few seconds to chill it down before unwrapping them. The skins will easily peel apart. Once the skins have been removed, cut them into slices or quarters to use in a dish, or eat them raw.
Option 2: Boiling: Clean and prepare the beets, keeping about 1 inch of stem and root end intact to prevent “bleeding” into the cooking water. Rinse the beets thoroughly and cook them in salted boiling water. Reduce to a low heat, cover, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beets are soft when pierced with a fork. Allow them to cool just enough to handle before slipping off their skins with your fingers or a vegetable peeler.
Prepare for red stains on your hands and countertops when working with red beets. Working on waxed paper and wearing gloves is recommended because the color is difficult to remove from wood or plastic surfaces. Additionally, because red beets contain pigments known as betalains, eating them can induce crimson or pink urine. Beeturia is the scientific name for this condition, and it is perfectly safe.
Chocolate Beet Cake (recipe)
You’ll definitely want more of this cake. It has a rich flavor and a creamy texture that makes it extremely enjoyable. This dish is ideal for a treat or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Red beets, cooked and sliced into cake 3 tablespoons maple syrup 1 c. almond flour 4 cups pitted medjool dates 10 tbsp chocolate powder 1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened 1 quart of egg whites 1.5 cup extract de vanilla 1 tablespoon butter made from cashews a half-cup 24 cashew butter 24 medjool dates, pitted cocoa powder (1 cup) 1 cup water 1/4 tbsp
Directions
Time to Prepare: 30 minutes Time to prepare: 90 minutes 8-10 slices per batch
Cake:
To begin, boil the beets. To do so, place the beets in a big pot with enough water to cover them entirely. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn it on (set to high). Cook on high heat until the water boils. Once the water has to a boil, reduce to a low heat and cook, covered, for 45–55 minutes, or until the beets are soft when pierced with a fork. Allow them to cool just enough to handle before slipping off their skins with your fingers or a vegetable peeler.
Next, slice the cooked beets and combine them with the rest cake ingredients in a high-powered food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
Grease two round 8″ cake pans with coconut oil or cooking spray. Evenly divide the batter between the two cake pans. With the back of a spoon, smooth up the mixture so that it is even in each cake pan. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Before assembling the cakes, remove them from the oven and allow them cool for 20-30 minutes.
Icing:
Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth (be patient; depending on the power of your food processor, this may take some time – the pulse button is your friend). It’s also possible that you’ll need to scrape the sides of the food processor a few times. You can ice the cake after it’s nice and creamy.
Assembly:
Remove the cakes from the pans once they have cooled. Place the first cake on a large serving platter and cover with icing. Spread icing evenly over the entire cake until it is completely covered. Place the second cake on top of the first.
Refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving. This cake is incredibly rich, so only a thin slice will suffice.
Enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to eat beets?
The best way to eat beets is by grating them and mixing them with a little bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Is it better to boil or roast beets?
Boil.
What is the healthiest way to cook beets?
The healthiest way to cook beets is in a pressure cooker.
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