Golden beets are a sweet and nutritious root vegetable that can add a pop of color and flavor to any meal. While they may not be as widely consumed as their red counterparts, golden beets are just as delicious and versatile. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to eat golden beets, from simple preparations to more complex recipes.
Choosing the Right Golden Beets
Before we dive into the different ways to eat golden beets, it’s essential to choose the right ones. When selecting golden beets, look for those that are firm and have a smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid beets that are soft or have visible signs of damage. You can also choose between baby golden beets, which are harvested before they reach full maturity, and larger, more mature beets.
Types of Golden Beets
There are several varieties of golden beets, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Some popular types of golden beets include:
- Burpee’s Golden: This variety is known for its sweet, tender flesh and is ideal for boiling, roasting, or pickling.
- Golden Detroit: This type of golden beet is larger than Burpee’s Golden and has a slightly sweeter flavor. It’s perfect for roasting or boiling.
- Chioggia: This Italian variety of golden beet has a beautiful, white-and-gold striped pattern and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor.
Preparing Golden Beets
Before cooking golden beets, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Washing and Trimming
Rinse the golden beets under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the skin, if necessary. Trim the leaves and stems from the beets, leaving about an inch of stem attached.
Peeling
Golden beets can be cooked with or without their skin. If you choose to peel them, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, taking care not to waste too much of the flesh.
Cooking
Golden beets can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, grilling, and pickling. Here are some basic cooking methods:
- Boiling: Place the golden beets in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wrap the golden beets in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Wrap the golden beets in foil and grill for 20-30 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
Simple Ways to Eat Golden Beets
Golden beets can be enjoyed in a variety of simple ways, including:
Raw
Golden beets can be eaten raw, thinly sliced or juiced. They make a great addition to salads, slaws, and sandwiches.
Pickled
Slice the golden beets thinly and soak them in a brine made with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Pickled golden beets are a great topping for sandwiches and salads.
Roasted
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in golden beets. Simply wrap them in foil and roast in the oven until tender.
More Complex Recipes
Golden beets can also be used in more complex recipes, such as:
Golden Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
- 2 large golden beets, peeled and roasted
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the roasted golden beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and parsley in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
Golden Beet Soup
- 2 large golden beets, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté the chopped onion and golden beets in butter until tender. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the beets are tender. Purée the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Health Benefits of Golden Beets
Golden beets are a nutrient-rich food that offers several health benefits, including:
Antioxidant Properties
Golden beets contain a range of antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Inflammation Reduction
Golden beets contain a unique antioxidant called betalain, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
Supports Detoxification
Golden beets contain compounds that support the body’s natural detoxification processes, including the removal of heavy metals and other toxins.
Conclusion
Golden beets are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can add a pop of color and flavor to any meal. Whether you enjoy them raw, roasted, or pickled, golden beets are a great addition to a healthy diet. With their antioxidant properties, inflammation reduction, and support for detoxification, golden beets are a great way to boost your overall health and wellbeing. So next time you’re at the farmer’s market or grocery store, be sure to pick up some golden beets and start experimenting with new recipes!
What are Golden Beets and How Do They Differ from Regular Beets?
Golden beets are a variety of beets that have a sweeter and milder flavor compared to regular beets. They have a beautiful golden color and a smoother texture, making them a great addition to various dishes. Golden beets are also higher in antioxidants and have a lower glycemic index than regular beets, making them a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.
Golden beets can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to roasted vegetable medleys. They can be cooked in a similar way to regular beets, but their sweeter flavor makes them a great choice for dishes where a milder flavor is desired. Golden beets are also a great choice for pickling, as their sweet flavor pairs well with the tangy flavor of vinegar.
What are the Health Benefits of Golden Beets?
Golden beets are a nutrient-rich food that offers several health benefits. They are high in antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation in the body. Golden beets are also a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health and support healthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, golden beets are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Golden beets are also a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. These nutrients can help support healthy blood pressure, bone health, and immune function. Golden beets have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
How Do I Choose the Best Golden Beets?
When choosing golden beets, look for ones that are firm and have a smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid beets that are soft or have visible signs of damage, as they may be past their prime. Golden beets come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, so choose the size that best suits your needs.
Golden beets can be found in most supermarkets and health food stores, usually in the produce section. They may also be available at farmers’ markets and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. When purchasing golden beets, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
How Do I Store Golden Beets?
Golden beets can be stored in a variety of ways, depending on how soon you plan to use them. If you plan to use them within a few days, you can store them in the refrigerator. Simply wrap the beets in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in the crisper drawer. Golden beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you don’t plan to use your golden beets for a while, you can store them in the freezer. Simply wash and chop the beets, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Golden beets can be frozen for up to 8 months. You can also pickle or can golden beets to preserve them for longer periods of time.
Can I Grow My Own Golden Beets?
Yes, you can grow your own golden beets at home. Golden beets are a cool-season crop, which means they thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring or fall. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Golden beets are relatively easy to grow and can be direct-seeded into the garden in early spring or late summer.
To grow golden beets, start by preparing the soil with a balanced fertilizer. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart, then thin them to 2-3 inches apart as they grow. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide support for the plants as they grow. Golden beets are ready to harvest in about 60 days, when they are between 1-2 inches in diameter.
What are Some Popular Ways to Prepare Golden Beets?
Golden beets can be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences. One popular way to prepare golden beets is to roast them in the oven. Simply wrap the beets in foil and roast them at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender. Golden beets can also be boiled or steamed, then served as a side dish.
Golden beets can also be pickled or canned to preserve them for longer periods of time. Simply slice the beets thinly and soak them in a brine made with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Golden beets can also be used in salads, soups, and stews, or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Are Golden Beets Safe to Eat Raw?
Yes, golden beets are safe to eat raw. In fact, raw golden beets can be a delicious and healthy addition to salads and other dishes. Simply peel and chop the beets, then add them to your favorite recipe. Raw golden beets have a sweet and earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
However, it’s worth noting that some people may experience digestive issues after eating raw golden beets. This is because golden beets contain a type of fiber that can be difficult for some people to digest. If you experience any discomfort after eating raw golden beets, try cooking them instead. Cooking can help break down the fiber and make the beets easier to digest.