Beets are a juicer’s dream—vibrant, nutrient-packed, and deliciously earthy. But what do you do when you have more beets than you can juice in one go? The answer is simple: freeze them! Freezing beets not only extends their shelf life but also makes it easier to whip up fresh, nutrient-rich juice whenever you want. Here’s everything you need to know about how to freeze beets for juicing.
Why Freeze Beets for Juicing?
Freezing beets is a game-changer for any juicing enthusiast. Here’s why:
– Convenience: Pre-frozen beets are ready to use, saving you prep time.
– Preservation: Freezing locks in nutrients and flavor, ensuring your juice is as fresh as possible.
– Less Waste: If you’ve harvested or bought too many beets, freezing prevents spoilage.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before diving into the process, gather these essentials:
– Fresh beets (preferably young and tender)
– A large pot
– Ice
– A bowl for an ice-water bath
– Cutting board and knife
– Baking sheet
– Freezer bags or containers
– Optional: gloves (to avoid staining your hands)
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Beets
1. Select and Prep Your Beets
Start with fresh, firm beets. If possible, choose ones of similar size for even cooking. Trim off the greens, leaving about 1–2 inches of stem and the root intact. This helps prevent the beets from “bleeding” their vibrant color during cooking.
Give the beets a good scrub under running water to remove dirt. If you’re planning on juicing the greens too, set them aside—they can be frozen separately!
2. Cook the Beets
Cooking softens the beets, making them easier to peel and freeze. You can either boil or roast them:
– Boiling Method:
– Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
– Add the whole beets and cook until tender (25–30 minutes for small beets, 45–50 minutes for larger ones). You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily.
– Roasting Method:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Place cleaned beets in a roasting pan with about half an inch of water. Cover tightly with foil.
– Roast for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Cool and Peel
Once cooked, transfer the hot beets immediately into an ice-water bath. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier. After a few minutes, slip off the skins using your hands or a paper towel. If they don’t come off easily, use a vegetable peeler.
4. Cut Into Juicing-Friendly Pieces
Slice, dice, or quarter your peeled beets into sizes that will fit easily into your juicer. For smaller juicers, consider cutting them into cubes.
5. Flash Freeze
Spread the beet pieces out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they don’t touch each other—this prevents clumping later on. Place the tray in the freezer for about an hour or until the pieces are frozen solid.
6. Store in Freezer Bags
Transfer the frozen beet pieces into freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn (a vacuum sealer works wonders here). Label each bag with the date so you know when they were frozen.
Frozen beets can last up to 8 months in the freezer, but for optimal flavor and nutrition, use them within 3–6 months.
Tips for Juicing Frozen Beets
- Thaw Slightly Before Juicing: Let frozen beet pieces sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before juicing. This softens them slightly and makes them easier on your juicer.
- Combine With Other Ingredients: Frozen beets pair beautifully with carrots, apples, ginger, or citrus fruits in juices.
- Juice Straight from Frozen: If you’re short on time, some high-powered juicers can handle frozen beet chunks directly—just check your machine’s manual first.
Bonus: Don’t Waste Those Beet Greens!
Beet greens are packed with nutrients and can also be frozen! Wash them thoroughly, blanch in boiling water for about two minutes, then transfer to an ice-water bath. Drain well and freeze in airtight bags—perfect for adding to green juices or smoothies.
Freezing beets is an easy way to enjoy their earthy goodness year-round while saving time during busy mornings. Whether you’re prepping for a vibrant beet-carrot juice or experimenting with new blends, having frozen beet pieces on hand ensures that fresh juice is always just moments away!