Beets are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make them a favorite in the juicing world. However, their tough skin and vibrant juice can make handling them a bit intimidating. If you’ve ever wondered how to peel a beet for juicing without turning your kitchen into a crime scene, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore the easiest ways to prep your beets for delicious, nutrient-rich juice.
Why Peel Beets for Juicing?
While beet skins are technically edible, they can carry dirt and have a slightly bitter taste that may affect the flavor of your juice. Peeling ensures a smoother, sweeter juice and eliminates any unwanted grit. Plus, it gives you full control over the flavor profile of your beetroot creations.
Step-by-Step Methods to Peel Beets
1. Peeling Raw Beets
This method is perfect if you’re short on time and want to juice raw beets directly.
– Step 1: Wash Thoroughly
Rinse your beets under cold running water to remove any dirt. Use a vegetable brush to scrub stubborn spots.
– Step 2: Trim the Greens
Cut off the beet greens but leave about two inches of the stem intact. This helps minimize bleeding while handling.
– Step 3: Use a Vegetable Peeler
Treat your beet like a potato! Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin. Be sure to work carefully around any crevices.
Pro Tip: Wear gloves during this process to avoid staining your hands with beet juice.
2. Peeling Boiled Beets
Boiling softens the skin, making it incredibly easy to remove.
– Step 1: Prep and Boil
Wash and trim the greens as described above. Place the beets in a pot of boiling water and cook for 20–40 minutes (depending on their size) until they’re fork-tender.
– Step 2: Cool Down
Drain the beets using a colander and run them under cold water or place them in an ice bath to cool.
– Step 3: Slip Off the Skins
Once cool enough to handle, gently rub the skins off with your fingers or use a paper towel for less mess. The skins should slide right off!
3. Roasting for Easy Peeling
Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of beets while making peeling effortless.
– Step 1: Wrap in Foil
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim and wash your beets, then wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil.
– Step 2: Roast
Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast for about an hour (or until tender).
– Step 3: Peel Using Foil or Gloves
Once cool, use the foil itself or disposable gloves to rub off the skin effortlessly.
Tips for Stain-Free Peeling
– Cover your work surface with wax paper or plastic wrap.
– Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands.
– If stains occur, rub lemon juice on your hands or cutting board before washing with soap and water.
What’s Next? Juicing Your Peeled Beets!
Once peeled, you’re ready to turn those ruby-red roots into liquid gold. Here’s how:
- Chop Into Small Pieces: Cut your peeled beets into quarters or smaller chunks that fit easily into your juicer or blender.
- Juice Alone or Pair With Other Ingredients: Beets pair beautifully with apples, ginger, carrots, and citrus fruits like lemon or orange.
- Strain (Optional): If using a blender, strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture.
Why Beet Juice? The Health Benefits Are Endless
Beet juice is loaded with dietary nitrates that improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and boost stamina during workouts. It’s also rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and support overall health. Whether you drink it solo or mix it with other fruits and veggies, beet juice is an easy way to fuel your body with essential nutrients.
Peeling beets might seem tricky at first, but with these simple methods, you’ll master it in no time. Whether you prefer raw beets for their earthy flavor or roasted ones for added sweetness, proper peeling is key to creating vibrant juices that taste as good as they look. So grab those beets and start juicing!