Beets, Golden 10LB

• Root Cellar – For best results, your root cellar should be at a temperature of 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 95% humidity. Beets can be store either in sand, sawdust or peat moss that is damp. Using a container that has a lid such as a garbage can will help to retain moisture. Beets will last for 2 to 3 months using this method.


• Freezing – To freeze beets, wash and boil the beets until they are of the consistency that you prefer. This can typically take about 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the beets and variation. Smaller usually take 20 and large 45 minutes. You should be able to press into the beet with a fork. Once cooking is done, beets can either be placed in the refrigerator for cooling so that they can be handled or placed in an ice bath. After the beets have cooled and you are able to handle, remove skins and cut in slices, diced or desired shape. It is best to use a dark plastic cutting board and dark towels to staining anything with beet juice. Place beets in freezer bags and label with the month and year. With this type of storage technique, beets can last up to 8 to 12 months. Freezing raw beets is not recommended as it can change the texture and taste of the beet.


• Canning or Pickling –  Canned or pickled beets can typically last 12 months or a bit longer.

Gold beets can be consumed raw and are popularly shaved, shredded, julienned, or spiralized into salads, slaws, and soups. They can also be pickled for extended use, pureed for sauces, or blended into smoothies. When utilized in cooked preparations, Gold beets can be steamed with lemon juice, roasted for a caramelized consistency, or sliced and baked into thin chips. It is important to note that the skin should be removed before eating and is easily peeled once cooked. Gold beets may also be used as a red beet substitute is some recipes. Gold beets pair well with cheeses such as goat, feta, and manchego, meats such as poultry, fish, and bacon, apples, fennel, herbs such as dill, parsley, and mint, citrus, potatoes, shallots, vinegar, and walnuts.

Gold beets are an excellent source of folate, manganese, beta-carotene, and are a very good source of potassium, copper, and fiber. They also contain magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins B6 and C, and iron. Gold beets are a great source of the phytonutrients called betalains. Betalains have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can create detoxifying effects. Betalians are not heat-stable, though, so longer cooking times can decrease their presence in beets.