Can you eat beet skin?
Beet skins are often overlooked when it comes to culinary use, but they can actually be a versatile and nutritious part of the vegetable. In this article, we will explore whether or not beet skins are edible, their nutritional value, and different ways to incorporate them into your cooking.
Edibility of beet skin
Most parts of beets, including the skin, are perfectly edible. The skin of a beet is versatile and contains a variety of nutrients. You can make delicious, savory beet crisps or add the skins to soups and stews. The root-to-tip movement, which aims to use every part of an ingredient to reduce food waste, has popularized the idea of eating beet tops.
How to prepare beet skins
Beet tops can be eaten raw or cooked, but many people prefer to cook them because raw beet tops can have an earthy and slightly bitter taste. Cooking them helps to soften the texture and mellow the flavor. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to preparing beet tops:
- Wash the turnip tops thoroughly under cold, running water. Beets grow underground, so they can be quite dirty. Use a potato scrubber or brush to remove stubborn dirt.
- If you plan to cook the whole beet, you can peel the skin after cooking. However, if you plan to make beet chips or use the skins separately, it is easier to peel them before cooking. Use a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin.
- Once you have washed and peeled the raw skins, pat them dry before frying or roasting. Removing excess moisture will help achieve a crispy texture. If you cooked the beets with the skins on and then peeled them, this step is not necessary.
Flavor and texture
Turnip skins have a unique flavor that is similar to regular turnips but slightly more bitter. They also have a sweet flavor with floral notes. The taste of beets can vary depending on how they are prepared and cooked. Blended into a smoothie, they have a raw, earthy, floral and sweet flavor. However, when dried and made into crisps, the seasoning can balance the earthy flavor. Incorporating beet skins into soups and stews with spices and flavorings will mask their flavor to some extent.
In terms of texture, raw beets can be tough and have a hard texture. Cooking will help soften the skins and make them more palatable.
Nutritional value of beet skins
Beet skins are rich in nutrients and can be a valuable addition to your diet. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals. Beets, including their skins, contain vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and manganese. They are also a good source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and overall gut health.
In addition, beet tops are surprisingly high in protein, making them a popular plant-based meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian diets. Including beet tops in your meals can contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious diet.
Using beet tops in cooking
Beet tops are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for incorporating beet tops into your cooking:
- Beet crisps: Peel the raw beet tops and crisp them in a deep fryer, air fryer, or oven. When crisp, season with sea salt flakes and pepper for a delicious and nutritious snack.
- Smoothies and juices: Blend cooked beet tops into smoothies or juices for an added nutritional boost. The skins can add color and flavor to your beverages.
- Soups and Stews: Add cooked turnip tops to soups and stews for added texture and flavor. The accompanying spices and flavors complement the earthy flavor of the skins.
- Purees and sauces: Incorporate cooked beet skins into purees and sauces to add depth and color. They can be blended with other ingredients to create flavorful dips and spreads.
- Roasted Vegetable Medleys: Incorporate cooked beet tops into roasted vegetable medleys for a vibrant and nutrient-rich side dish. The skins add unique flavor and texture to the mix.
Storage and Shelf Life
If you need to store beets for a short period of time, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping them as cool as possible will help keep them fresh. Please note, however, that once the skins are removed from the flesh, they will begin to dry out. This is a natural process and won’t affect cooking.
For long-term storage, beet skins can be frozen for up to three months. Place them in an airtight container or zipper bag, making sure to keep them away from other odors. Label the container with the date and use within the recommended time frame.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beet peels are safe to eat and can be a nutritious addition to your meals. They are versatile and offer many culinary possibilities. Whether you bake them into crunchy snacks, blend them into smoothies, or add them to soups and stews, beet tops offer a unique flavor and texture. By embracing the root-to-tip movement and using every part of the beet, you can reduce food waste and discover new ways to enjoy this vibrant vegetable. So the next time you cook with beets, consider saving the skins and exploring their culinary potential.
FAQS
Is it safe to eat beet skin?
Yes, it is safe to eat beetroot skin. Most parts of beets, including the skin, are completely edible.
Can you eat the beets raw?
While you can eat beet tops raw, they can have an earthy and slightly bitter taste. Cooking them can help soften the texture and mellow the flavor.
Are beet tops nutritious?
Yes, beets are nutritious. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and manganese. They are also a good source of fiber.
How should I prepare beets?
To prepare turnip tops, wash them thoroughly under running water and peel them if desired. Cooking is recommended to enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I do with beet tops in the kitchen?
There are several ways to use beet skins in cooking. You can make beet chips, blend them into smoothies or juices, add them to soups and stews, incorporate them into purees and sauces, or add them to roasted vegetable medleys.
How should I store beets?
For short-term storage, store beet skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, freeze in an airtight container or zipper bag for up to three months. Label the container with the date for reference.