Storing beets allows you to enjoy a summer product all year round. This vegetable is usually immersed in a not too strong vinegar solution that goes well with its intense flavor and at the same time prevents its decomposition. To preserve the beetroot, simply wash the vegetable, pickle it, and then store it in sterilized jars.
Ingrediants
- 10 large beets
- 240 ml of water
- 480 ml of white vinegar
- 70 g of white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Tools
Step 1. Sterilize the jars
You can use those with an airtight seal or recycle those from tomato puree or other foods. If you have decided to reuse the jars, wash them thoroughly with soap and water and a brush to remove any food residue. Alternatively, put them in the dishwasher. Sterilize the jars, lids and any other tools you will use by following this procedure:
- Bring a large pot filled with cold water into which you put the utensils to a boil.
- Boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars and all other accessories with clean kitchen tongs and let them dry on a clean cloth.
Step 2. Choose the vegetables at the moment of maximum maturity
In theory, they should have been harvested about a month earlier. This way the beets will have had time to mature and develop maximum flavor. Choose the ones that are firm with no spots or soft spots.
While ripe beets are the best choice, remember that they will acquire some of the flavor of the storage solution, so you can also use those that are slightly unripe or just past ripeness
Step 3. Wash the beets
Fresh ones are often filled with soil. Take a vegetable brush and clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Rinse them under cold running water and, if you find stained areas under the layer of earth, remove these parts with a sharp knife.
Step 4. Remove the part with the leaves
Use a small knife and remove them; But remember that the leaves are tasty and you can cook them in a stew when you are done with the beet preservation process.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Beets and Vinegar Solution
Step 1. Boil the beets
Put them in a large pot filled with water. Add about a teaspoon of salt and bring everything to a boil. Cook the vegetables until you can pierce them with a knife, it will take 30 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and drain the water.
If the beets are different sizes, add the larger ones first. Let them boil for five minutes before putting the smaller ones in the water. This “trick” allows you to obtain a homogeneous cooking of all the vegetables
Step 2. Peel them
When they are cool enough to work with your bare hands, remove the skin with your fingers. Once cooked, these vegetables are easy to peel. Help yourself with a knife if necessary and discard the peels.
Step 3. Slice them
You can also pickle them by reducing them into circular slices (perfect for filling sandwiches) or in any shape you like. If you cut the vegetables into very small pieces, you will be able to make better use of the capacity of the jars.
Step 4. Prepare the vinegar solution
You can do this while the vegetables are hot, so the liquid will be ready when it's time to pot. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and boil them, lower the heat and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Part 3 of 3: Pot the Beets
Step 1. Fill the jars with vegetables
Try to distribute the slices evenly in the various containers you have available. Leave about 5 cm of space at the top edge of the jars.
Step 2. Add the preservative liquid
Pour it until its level reaches 1.5 cm from the top edge of the jar. It is very important not to fill the jars to the brim to avoid the accumulation of excessive pressure. Put the lids on and tighten them tightly.
If you notice air bubbles in the container, tap the bottom of each jar against the table to bring them to the surface
Step 3. Wait for the jars to get cold
Put them on the kitchen counter overnight before putting them away.
Step 4. Let the beets soak in the solution for a week before opening the jars
During this phase the flavor of the vegetables will be enriched with that of the solution and their consistency will change. After a week, you can enjoy them whenever you want.
- Beets stored in this way last up to three months in a cool, dark place
- Once opened, keep the jar in the fridge.
