Frequent question: Is it better to steam or boil beets?

Studies show beets’ concentration of phytonutrients, such as betalains, is diminished by heat. We recommend healthy steaming beets for 15 minutes to maximize their nutrition and flavor. Fill the bottom of the steamer with 2 inches of water and bring to a rapid boil Add beets, cover, and steam for 15 minutes.

How long should you steam beets?

To steam beets, place in a steamer above 2 inches water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cover. Turn down heat to medium. Steam small and medium beets for 30 minutes and large beets for 40 minutes, until you can pierce the beet to the middle with a knife or skewer.

Can I cut beets before steaming?

Cut them up and steam them. You’ll shorten their cooking time by half (or more!). Simply quarter trimmed and scrubbed medium-size beets and steam them until tender. (Cooking them with the skins on keeps their color vibrant.)

Are steamed beets good for you?

Beets provide some impressive health benefits. Not to mention, they are low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including fiber, folate and vitamin C. Beets also contain nitrates and pigments that may help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance.

What is the healthiest way to cook beets?

The Healthiest Way of Cooking Beets. Cook beets lightly. Studies show beets’ concentration of phytonutrients, such as betalains, is diminished by heat. We recommend healthy steaming beets for 15 minutes to maximize their nutrition and flavor.

Can beets be eaten raw?

If you’ll be eating beets raw, you’ll want to peel off the hard outer skin with a vegetable peeler. Fresh, raw beets can be finely grated into salads for color or used as a garnish for soup. But beets are usually roasted, boiled or steamed and cut into thin slices, cubes or chunks as in this Winter Beet Salad recipe.

What do you do with beet water after boiling beets?

If you boil the them, leave the root on and 1 to 2 inches of the stem. This will help keep many of the nutrients in the beet. Of course, some of the nutrients will go into the water, but you can reuse the beet water in soups, rice, risotto, or pasta.

Are beets anti inflammatory?

Reduced Inflammation

Beets are also rich in nitrates, which reduce inflammation by removing harmful compounds from your bloodstream. This combination of betalains and nitrates makes beets a great choice for people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Do you have to peel beets before cooking them?

Cover and cook on high, water should be steaming. Steam until beets are fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Allow beets to cool and peel. Beets can also be peeled before steaming if desired.

Can you steam beets in the microwave?

Place four or five medium beets, trimmed and washed, in a single layer in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp water. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes, then turn beets and continue cooking 3 to 5 minutes until they are fork-tender.

Are beet leaves toxic?

But rest assured, unlike rhubarb (who has poisonous leaves), beet greens are totally safe, completely edible, and extremely yummy. You can prepare your leaves much like you would kale. Simply pull the leaves off of the stem, give them a rinse and chop them up.