How to Dry Beets
Instructions for Drying Beets
Learning how to dry beets from the garden is:
- Easy
- Safe
- Nutritional
- Economical
Beets do well in cold storage, but drying some of your crop provides a nice emergency back-up. Plus, dried beets are convenient to use (the prep-work's already been done). Drying beets preserves them while retaining most of their nutritional value.
Tip:
When drying beets, avoid heating over 100 (F) degrees (it destroys the nutritional content).
Step by Step
Instructions
How to Dry Beets
1.
Scrub the beets & remove the tops.
2.
Slice the beets in half.
3.
Steam until tender (20 minutes).
4.
Peel (optional) and slice into pieces 1/2" thick (you can also shred the beets for drying).
5.
Dry beet slices at 100 degrees (F) until brittle (around 12 hrs). Drying beets (shredded) normally takes around 10 hrs.
6. Place dried beets in an air-tight, clean, dry, container. Avoid discoloration by storing out of the light.
To rehydrate dried beets, cover with cold water and let sit for 1 hour.
Suggestions: Use dried beets in soups.
Note: Also, you can grind the dried beets in your food processor, and use it as a food coloring or seasoning.