Red Ace Beets, known for their vibrant color and sweet flavor, are a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. But what do you do when you have an abundant harvest and can’t consume them all at once? The answer lies in proper storage and preservation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of storing and preserving your Red Ace Beets to ensure they remain fresh and delicious for months to come.
Understanding Red Ace Beets
What are Red Ace Beets?
Red Ace Beets are a type of beetroot known for their deep red color and sweet, earthy flavor. They’re rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They’re also versatile in the kitchen, and can be used in everything from salads to soups to desserts.
According to the USDA, Red Ace Beets are particularly high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against harmful free radicals. They’re also a good source of folate, a B-vitamin that’s important for heart health and fetal development.
Growing Red Ace Beets
Red Ace Beets are a cool-season crop, meaning they grow best in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends planting beet seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Beets typically take 50-60 days to mature, but you can harvest the greens earlier for a tasty addition to salads or stir-fries. Just be sure not to remove more than one-third of the leaves at a time, as this can weaken the plant and reduce the size of the beetroot.
Storing Red Ace Beets
Short-Term Storage
For short-term storage, you can simply keep your Red Ace Beets in the refrigerator. Here’s how:
- Cut off the beet greens, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the beetroot. This helps prevent the beets from “bleeding” and losing moisture.
- Place the beets in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing it.
- Store the bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The beets should stay fresh for 2-3 weeks.
Remember, you can also store the beet greens separately in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about a week.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, you’ll need to preserve your Red Ace Beets. There are several methods you can use, including canning, pickling, and freezing.
Preserving Red Ace Beets
Canning
Canning is a popular method for preserving beets. It involves placing the beets in jars and then heating them to kill any bacteria, yeasts, or molds that could cause the food to spoil. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Wash your beets thoroughly and cut off the greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached.
- Boil the beets until they’re tender, then drain and let them cool.
- Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel them and cut them into slices or chunks.
- Place the beets in sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Pour boiling water or a brine solution over the beets, making sure they’re fully covered.
- Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
- Let the jars cool, then check the seals to make sure they’re tight. If any jars didn’t seal properly, refrigerate them and use them within a week.
The National Center for Home Food Preservation provides more detailed instructions on canning beets, including safety tips and guidelines for adjusting processing times based on your altitude.
Pickling
Pickling is another popular method for preserving beets. It involves soaking the beets in a vinegar-based brine to give them a tangy flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Follow the same steps as above for washing, boiling, and peeling your beets.
- Prepare a pickling brine by combining vinegar, water, sugar, and pickling spices in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil.
- Place the beets in sterilized jars and pour the hot brine over them, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
- Let the jars cool, then check the seals. Any jars that didn’t seal properly should be refrigerated and used within a week.
The Ball Fresh Preserving website has a variety of recipes for pickled beets, including ones with added flavors like ginger or cloves.
Freezing
Freezing is a simple and effective way to preserve beets. Here’s how:
- Wash your beets and cut off the greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached.
- Boil the beets until they’re tender, then drain and let them cool.
- Once the beets are cool, peel them and cut them into slices or chunks.
- Blanch the beet slices or chunks in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool them quickly in ice water.
- Drain the beets again and pack them into freezer bags or containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Seal the bags or containers and freeze the beets. They should stay good for up to a year.
The University of Minnesota Extension provides more detailed instructions on freezing vegetables, including tips on blanching and packaging.
Conclusion
Red Ace Beets are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. With proper storage and preservation, you can enjoy their sweet, earthy flavor all year round. Whether you choose to refrigerate, can, pickle, or freeze your beets, you’ll be able to savor the fruits of your labor for months to come.
So don’t let your beet harvest go to waste. Start storing and preserving your Red Ace Beets today!
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