Roasted, Boiled, and Pickled: Simple Ways to Cook Beets at Home

If you think cooking beets (also called beetroots) at home is messy or intimidating, you’re not alone. But beets are wonderfully sweet with a silky texture, and learning a few simple techniques makes them easy and rewarding to prepare.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you cook, store, and enjoy beets with confidence.

What Are Beets?

Beets, or beetroots, are the taproot of the beet plant and a versatile root vegetable. They have a sweet, earthy taste that becomes more pronounced when cooked.

Beets appear in several colors: deep red is most common, while yellow and striped varieties such as Chioggia (sometimes called Candy Cane) show beautiful interior patterns. Note that the stripes in Chioggia beets fade somewhat when cooked.

Baby beets are typically 1 to 1½ inches in diameter and are harvested early for tenderness. Larger beets may reach 6 inches or more, but beets over about 3–4 inches can become woody and fibrous, so choose smaller to medium-sized roots for the best texture.

What Do Beets Taste Like?

Different beet varieties offer subtle flavor differences but are generally interchangeable in recipes. Red beets are deeply sweet and earthy; yellow or golden beets are milder and often taste less earthy. Sweetness and earthiness can vary from one beet to another.

FAQS

How to Store Beets

Remove the greens (if attached) and store the roots loosely wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Store beet greens separately, wrapped loosely, and use them within a day or two — they wilt faster than the roots. Cooked beets keep well in the fridge for several days and can be sliced for salads or platters. For longer storage, cooked beets can be frozen in airtight containers for several months.

How To Cook Beets

Beets can be roasted, boiled, steamed, or eaten raw. Some cooks peel beets before cooking, but many prefer to scrub them and cook with the skin on; the skin slips off easily after cooking. Roasting concentrates natural sugars and is a favorite method. Thinly sliced or shredded raw beets add color and crunch to salads, and cooked beets are great pickled or simply dressed.

How to Roast Beets

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub beets to remove dirt, trim the leafy tops close to the root, and snip off the thin root tail.

2. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil. For small baby beets, several can share one sheet. Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet to catch any juices and roast for about 50–60 minutes, depending on size, until a knife slides easily into the center.

3. Allow the beets to cool until they can be handled, then rub the skins off with a paper towel or under running water. Slice or dice as needed for salads, sides, or recipes.

How Do You Cook Beet Greens?

Beet greens are edible and versatile. Wash them thoroughly, then sauté, boil, or add to soups and stews like you would chard or collards. Chop or slice the greens as the recipe requires; their flavor is bright and slightly bitter, which pairs well with garlic, lemon, or vinegar.

How Do You Remove Beet Stains From Hands?

Beets, especially red varieties, can stain your hands. The color usually washes off with warm water and soap and a bit of scrubbing. Lemon juice or a vinegar rinse can help lift stubborn stains, or wear gloves while handling beets if you want to avoid staining altogether.

How Can I Make Sure Beets Don’t Stain My Counter?

Work on a stain-resistant surface like a metal baking sheet or line your cutting board with parchment or a disposable layer to protect countertops. Be aware that red beets can tint nearby ingredients and dishes pink, while golden beets are less likely to color other foods.

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Beet Recipes to Try

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With a few simple techniques—roasting to bring out sweetness, saving the greens, and protecting surfaces—you can make beets a regular, delicious part of your cooking. Try a different variety to discover the flavors you like best, and enjoy the vibrant color and nutrition they add to meals.