Beets are a complicated veggie, with a different flavor profile depending on who you ask. If you were to ask people what do beets taste like, you'd get a different answer each time.
Beet lovers will say that beets have a sweet flavor with a hint of floral. If you are a beet hater, you'll probably say it has a dirt-like taste. The taste of beets can change depending on how you prepare and cook them. Beets also come in several varieties, each having a unique taste.
What Is a Beet?
A beet is a root vegetable, also referred to as beetroot. This vegetable is from North America and is extremely versatile. In addition to being eaten, beets can be used as a natural food coloring.
The flavor of the beet comes from geosmin. Geosmin is an organic compound produced by microbes in soil and gives the beet its earthy flavor. Aside from the earthy taste and earthy smell it imparts, geosmin is completely edible and completely harmless.
Beets can come in several varieties and colors. Some of the most common are red beets, golden beets, and white beets. Fresh beets and canned beets are typically at most grocery stores. If you'd like another variety, you'll have to visit a specialty store or local farmer's market.
Health Benefits of Beets
You obtain the most health benefits from eating raw beets. Beets are high in antioxidants and have almost all of your needed vitamins and minerals.
Beets are high in Vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Beets are great for heart health and have been shown to help lower high blood pressure.
Consuming raw beetroot juice or drinking a beet smoothie can be an easy and healthy start to your day. Add some ginger and lemon juice to your beet juice tamp down the strong taste of the beets.
Beet greens also have immense health benefits. The raw greens can be used as the base for a beet salad. If you prefer your greens cooked, beet greens saute up nicely. The flavor of the greens is similar to swiss chard, with a hint more sweetness.
Ways to Eat Beets
If you're still hesitant about the dirt-like taste of beets, we have some cooking tips that will help tamp down that flavor.
Boiling beets is the fastest way to remove the skin. Once boiled, the beet will be softer and easy to mash.
Roasting beets is the best cooking method for bringing out the beet's natural sweetness. Roasted beets tend to have less of an earthy flavor that may be off-putting. You can roast your beets with coconut oil to bring out more of the sweet flavor.
If you don't want to cook beets, try pickling them. Pickled beets have a tart flavor and make a great side dish or snack.
Beet Recipes To Make at Home
Borscht
If you already love beets, borscht is for you. Borscht is a Ukranian beet soup. Onions and garlic are cooked with olive oil, then broth, beets, and vinegar is added. Dill and sour cream act as the garnish.
Get the recipe here from Natasha's Kitchen
Beet Salad
Goat cheese pairs perfectly with beets, especially in a salad. This recipe uses roasted beets and a cumin garlic vinaigrette for a zesty and tasty salad.
Get the recipe here from A Good Carrot.
