How Long To Boil Beets (And Why)?

How Long To Boil Beets (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 25 To 40 Minutes

Beetroot is a taproot that is eaten as a vegetable in different parts of the world such as Russia, France, and the United States. Beetroot has many colors, from red, purple, pink, golden to brown. Betaine is a pigment present in beets and is responsible for the color of beetroots. Beetroot is also called beet, garden beet, edible beet, and red beet.

Beetroots tastes sweet and earthy because the mixture found in soil produces an earthy smell in the soil after its rains. Due to this most, people don’t like beetroot as it tastes like dirt. Beetroots are rich in nitrates and iron which is useful for lowering down of pressure for adults as well as for old people. There are different methods to cook beets such as boiling, steaming, and roasting. It can also be consumed every day because it has a low amount of sodium and fat.

How Long To Boil Beets

How Long To Boil Beets?

Boiled beets are a quick and easy way of preparing beets. If the cooking time is long enough, the taste of beets will increase. If you plan to eat cooked beets, you should boil them for at least 25 to 40 minutes.

One of the most important constraints to cooking a vegetable is to choose the right candidate. Check that the beets you choose are fresh and have green leaves. Keep in your mind that the greens shouldn’t be torn and weak. The beetroot should have a smooth covering and there should be no cuts. Avoid buying beets with hairy roots as it is an indication that the beetroot has become old.

It is best to use fresh beetroot. Use a large pot and add about 1 tablespoon of salt to it. Cut the beets from both ends leaving the stem as it helps in keeping the juice while boiling. Boil the beets for 25 to 40 minutes. The size of the beets depends on the time taken to boil. Smaller beets take 20 minutes while large beets take 40 minutes or more.

After boiling, remove the beets from the pot and let the beets stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Place the beets in cold water and wipe off the skin of the beets. To know if the beets are cooked, use a fork to measure the softness of the beets.

Methods of cooking beetsTime taken
Baking45 – 75 minutes
Boiling30 – 40 minutes
Steaming40- 50 minutes

Why Boil Beets For So Long?

For the beets to boil evenly from the inside, the beets should be boiled over medium heat. The beets should be boiled for at least 30 to 40 minutes. If it is boiled for more than 40 minutes, it will cause the beets to be overcooked and cause the beets to become mushy, and will start to release an unpleasant smell, and the cooked beets will disperse during grilling. If the boiling time is less than 25 minutes, it will not taste as per choice.

Boiling is one of the easiest and fastest methods of boiling beets. Boiled beets can be used from making salads, chutneys, juices to brownies. In India, beetroot is used in making different sabzi and Raitas. While in European countries, cold borscht is a famous beet soup served with sour cream. Many vendors use ground beetroot in their diet cowards. One can use their creative ideas to make the best use of boiled beetroot.

Adding beetroot to your diet will help increase hemoglobin in the body, lowers bad cholesterol in the body, control diabetes, overcome constipation, enhance endurance, fight cancer and help lose weight. People suffering from hypotension and taking antihypertensive drugs should consult a doctor before consuming beetroot. Because beetroot contains high antioxidants, it can cause kidney stones.

Conclusion

Beetroot belongs to the Beta Vulgaris group. When cooking beetroot, time is of the essence. Beetroot is not a popular vegetable but it is most famous in Canada and the United States because it contains vitamins, minerals, folic acid, and potassium. Beet is rich in fiber, which helps to regulate the body. One should save the beet greens as they can be used as a great side dish with the help of oil and seasonings. Cooked beets can be used immediately, or they can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days for later use in any recipe. Buying the right beets that are fresh will further enhance its taste.

References

  1. https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article-abstract/124/2/885/6098885
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0260877410000452

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Hi! I'm Nidhi.

Here at the EHL, it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food.

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