Essential Checks for Choosing the Perfect Beet
When shopping for beets, a few simple checks can tell you everything you need to know about their freshness and quality. Whether you are at a farmers' market or the grocery store, prioritizing certain characteristics will lead to better results in your kitchen. Always aim for beets that are small to medium in size, as larger ones can become woody and tough.
The All-Important Visual and Tactile Inspection
- Firmness: Pick up the beet and feel it. A fresh, good beet should be very firm and solid to the touch. Avoid any that feel soft, squishy, or pliable, as this indicates they are old or improperly stored.
- Skin Condition: The skin should be smooth, unblemished, and free of any major cracks or cuts. A few small, hairline splits from growth are acceptable and can be trimmed away, but deep or widespread cracks are a red flag. Shriveled or wrinkly skin is a clear sign of dehydration and age.
- Vibrant Color: A beet’s color is an excellent indicator of its vitality. Red beets should have a deep, rich maroon tone, while golden beets should be a bright, sunny yellow. Dull, faded, or discolored beets should be avoided, as this suggests they are past their prime.
The Importance of Beet Greens
When available, purchasing beets with the greens still attached is the best way to guarantee freshness. The greens are also edible and highly nutritious, similar to Swiss chard.
- Bright and Fresh Greens: Look for tops that are bright green, crisp, and unwilted. Wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves mean the greens are old and have been drawing moisture from the root, reducing its flavor and tenderness.
- Attached Greens: If you find a bunch of beets, the ones with fresh-looking, upright greens are the best choice. If the greens are already trimmed, look closely at the remaining stem; it should look fresh, not dried out.
Size and Shape Considerations
While all sizes of beets can be delicious, smaller to medium-sized bulbs are generally sweeter and more tender. Larger beets, especially those over 3 inches in diameter, can develop a woody, tough center that is less pleasant to eat. Look for a neat, round shape with a single, small taproot (the thin, pointy tip at the bottom). A hairy or overly fibrous taproot can signal toughness.
Comparison of Different Beet Types
Beets come in several varieties, each with unique characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right beet for your specific recipe.
| Feature | Red Beets (e.g., Detroit Dark Red) | Golden Beets (e.g., Touchstone Gold) | Chioggia Beets (Candy Stripe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Classic earthy, sweet beet flavor. | Milder, less earthy, and sweeter than red varieties. | Very sweet with a mild, delicate flavor. |
| Color | Deep maroon-purple. Can stain cutting boards. | Bright yellow to golden-orange flesh. Does not bleed or stain. | Striking concentric rings of white and pink when raw. |
| Cooking Best For | Roasting, boiling, pickling. The classic choice for borscht. | Roasting or steaming, especially for salads where you want to avoid red stains. | Raw salads, slicing thin for carpaccio, or lightly steaming to preserve stripes. |
| Availability | Widely available year-round. | Less common but can be found in well-stocked markets. | Often found at farmers' markets during their peak season. |
How to Handle Your Beets After Purchase
Once you have selected the best beets, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness.
Storing Beets for Maximum Freshness
- Separate Greens: As soon as you get home, cut the leafy tops from the roots, leaving about one to two inches of stem attached. This prevents the greens from drawing moisture out of the root, keeping it firm.
- Store Roots Properly: Place the unwashed beetroots in a perforated plastic bag or a resealable bag with a corner left open in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They can last for several weeks this way.
- Store Greens Separately: Wash the greens, dry them thoroughly, and store them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge. Use them within a few days, as they wilt quickly.
Conclusion
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure you always know how to buy a good beet. A firm feel, bright color, and fresh greens are the most reliable indicators of quality, while avoiding overly large or blemished roots will steer you clear of tough, woody disappointments. Remember to store your beets and their greens separately and properly to maximize their shelf life and flavor. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert at picking the best beets for any recipe, from a vibrant roasted side dish to a fresh, crunchy salad.
The Health Benefits of Beets
Beyond their delicious flavor, beets are a nutritional powerhouse. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, manganese, and potassium. The vibrant red color comes from betalain pigments, which are powerful antioxidants. Beets also contain inorganic nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, a compound that helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This makes them a great food for improving cardiovascular health and athletic performance. For more detailed information on the benefits and preparation of beets, visit Healthline, a trusted source for health information.
How to Tell If a Beet Has Gone Bad
Knowing the signs of a spoiled beet is as important as knowing how to choose a fresh one. The most obvious signs are a soft or mushy texture, especially if accompanied by a foul odor. Shriveled or wrinkly skin and faded color also indicate that the beet is old and should be discarded. For greens, the presence of mold, sliminess, or significant browning means they are no longer fit for consumption.
Beet Recipes to Try
Once you have your perfectly selected beets, the possibilities are endless. Consider roasting them with a touch of olive oil and herbs to bring out their natural sweetness, or shred them raw into a vibrant, crunchy slaw. For a heartier dish, you can make a classic borscht or a delicious roasted beet hummus. Don’t forget that the greens can be sautéed with garlic for a quick and nutritious side dish. The right cooking method can highlight the unique qualities of each beet variety, creating a delicious and colorful meal.
