The ingredient library
Beetroot
Earthy sweetness and a deep crimson colour. Explore red beetroot as a fresh root, a cooked ingredient or part of a prepared drink.
A root with a character of its own.
Red beetroot brings an earthy flavour and a vivid colour to the table. Thin raw slices offer a different texture from tender cooked pieces. Begin with a small amount in a familiar dish, then decide how much of its character you want. In a bottled drink, the other ingredients shape the final flavour too.
Find your format.
Fresh root
Scrub before preparing. Grate or slice thinly for a recipe using raw beetroot, or cook until tender for a softer texture.
Cooked or pickled
Plain cooked beetroot is a convenient starting point. Pickled versions bring their own acidity and seasoning; choose the one your dish needs.
Juice, powder or blend
Check the format and intended use. A powder, concentrated juice and ready-to-drink blend each have their own preparation directions.
A place to start.
Choose a simple starting point
Try a recipe for a beetroot salad or roasted beetroot. Match the recipe to the fresh or cooked form you have.
Prepare with colour in mind
Wash fresh roots before cutting. Red beetroot can stain boards and cloths, so choose your work surface and utensils accordingly.
Taste the balance
Try the prepared beetroot on its own, then with the rest of the dish. If you enjoy a brighter finish, test a little citrus in a separate portion.
Let the root set the pace.
Beetroot has a distinct taste. Start with one familiar preparation and adjust the balance to your liking before combining several new flavours.
What to look for.
Match the size to the method
For cooking whole roots together, choose similar sizes so they become tender at a similar pace.
Check what has been added
Plain beetroot, a vinegar pickle and a fruit-and-vegetable drink offer different experiences. Read the full ingredients before choosing.
Keep the format in mind
Follow storage and after-opening instructions for prepared products. Keep their labels so you can repeat a preparation you liked.
Find a moment for it.
Bring the ingredient into an ordinary part of your day.
Explore products with beetroot.
Read the full ingredients and preparation details on each product.
Keep exploring.
A crisp bite and a mild green flavour. Explore cucumber through fresh slices, simple salads and prepared drinks.
Bright, peppery and aromatic. Discover how fresh slices, dried spice and prepared blends bring different expressions of ginger.
Further reference: Illinois Extension: preparing and cooking beetroot.