Pickled beets are delicious, tart, and colorful. Beet lovers disagree on whether to serve them cold. Should pickled beets be served cold? has divided foodies and chefs.
We taste the pros and cons of chilling pickled beets in this post. Join us as we discover the optimal pickled beet serving temperature, whether you’re a beet connoisseur or a curious eater.
What are Pickled Beets?
Pickled beets are cooked beets that have been soaked in a vinegar-based brine that has been flavored with different herbs and spices.
The canning process not only makes them taste better, but it also makes them last longer. These tangy treats are popular in many cuisines around the world.
They have a unique mix of sweet and sour flavors that make them a versatile addition to many meals.
Should Pickled Beets be Served Cold?
Food lovers argue a lot about the right temperature at which to serve pickled beets. Some people like the usual way of serving cold beets, which is to chill the beets
The cold weather makes them even more refreshing, which makes them a great side dish for the summer.
On the other hand, some people say that pickled beets taste better when they are served warm.
When the beets are cooked, their smell comes out, and the brine gets more fragrant. This makes for a soothing and tasty experience.
How to Make Pickled Beets?
Pickled beets are a tasty and easy-to-make snack that can give your meals a burst of spicy flavor. Making pickled beets at home is a fun and easy thing to do.
Follow this step-by-step plan to make some tasty pickled beets:
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 fresh, medium-sized beets
- White vinegar, 1 cup
- 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar in granules
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 4 cloves, whole
- 1 stick of cinnamon
Preparation
- Start by going to the store and getting some fresh beets. Find beets that are hard and have no spots on them.
- Clean the beets well under running cold water to get rid of any dirt or other debris.
- Leave about an inch of the stems on the beet greens when you cut them. This keeps the beets from losing their color while they are cooking.
- You can peel the beets before you put them in the pickle, but it’s best to do this after they are cooked.
1-Cooking the Beets
- Place the washed and cut beets in a big pot and add enough water to cover them completely.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, and then turn the heat down to a slow simmer.
- Cook the beets for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a fork can easily go through them.
- When the beets are done cooking, take them out of the pot and set them somewhere to cool.
2-Peeling and Slicing
- When the beets have cooled down, the skins are easy to peel off. It should be easy to peel off.
- Cut the tops and root ends off the beets, and then slice them into the shape and thickness you want. Others like wider wedges, while some like thin rounds.
3-Making the Pickling Brine
- In a separate pot, mix the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil while stirring every so often to dissolve the sugar and salt.
4-Pickling the Beets
- Once the brine is boiling, put the sliced beets in the pot.
- Let the beets boil in the brine for about 5 minutes, making sure they are completely submerged.
5-Keeping jars clean
- While the beets are cooking, boil the glass jars and lids for a few minutes to clean them.
- Take the jars and lids out of the water that is boiling and let them dry in the air.
6-Filling the Jars
- Carefully move the hot pickled beets into the clean jars using tongs.
- Pour the hot brine for pickling over the beets until each jar is full.
7-Sealing the Jars
- To make sure the seal works, wipe the sides of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
- Put the lids on the jars and make sure they are tight.
What to Serve with Pickled Beets?
Pickled beets are very flexible and can be used to improve the taste and look of many different dishes.
They give green salads a nice tang that goes well with the freshness of the greens and the softness of the goat cheese or feta.
Pickled beets can also be served as a spicy side dish with cold-cut plates. They make cured meats like ham and salami taste even better.
You can also add them to wraps and sandwiches to give them more taste and texture.
Health Benefits of Pickled Beets
Pickled beets are not only a tasty addition to food, but they also have many health benefits. Beets are full of important nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber.
Most of these nutrients are kept in the pickle process, so they can be used even after the food has been cooked.
Also, people know that the vinegar used in pickling can help with digestion and keep blood sugar levels in check.
When you put beetroots and vinegar together, you get a powerful team that can help you eat healthy.
How to Properly Store Pickled Beets?
Follow these steps to store pickled beets the right way:
- Cool the Pickled Beets: Before putting the pickled beets away, let them cool fully. This helps keep their taste and shape.
- Choose the Right Container: To store pickled beets, use glass jars or containers that keep air out. Make sure that the packages are dry and clean.
- Pack the Beets: Carefully put the beets that have been pickled into the containers you have chosen. Make sure they are tightly packed but not broken.
- Seal the Containers: Make sure the lids are on tight to keep out air. This keeps air from getting into the packages, which could make the food go bad.
- Label and Date: Write on the containers what’s inside and the date they were pickled. This will help you remember how old and fresh they are.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the pickled beets in a pantry or basement that is cool and dark. The best range for the temperature is between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C). Don’t put them in the bright sun or near a source of heat.
- Check for Spoilage: Check the containers every so often for signs of spoilage, such as mold, strange smells, or changes in color. If you find any, throw out the beets right away.
- Use within the Recommended Timeframe: Pickled beets can last for several months to a year if they are stored well, but for the best quality, they should be eaten within 6 to 12 months.
Final Thoughts
pickled beets are a wonderful food that has the right amount of both sweet and sour tastes. They add a tangy twist to many meals, from salads to sandwiches, whether they are served warm or cold.
It’s easy to make pickled beets at home, and the fact that they are good for you makes them even more appealing.
So, the next time you see some beautiful beetroots at the market, you might want to bring some home and make your own pickled beets.
Try them out in different ways and enjoy the spicy flavor they bring to your table. Don’t forget to store them right so you can enjoy them as long as possible. Enjoy your pickle!