Beets are a vibrant and nutritious vegetable that have gained popularity as a superfood due to their impressive health benefits. One of the most popular ways to consume beets is through juicing. Juicing beets allows you to unlock their full potential and enjoy the many nutrients they offer. However, when it comes to juicing beets, you may wonder what part of the vegetable you should use. In this article, we will guide you through the process of juicing beets and help you make the most of this superfood.
What Makes Beets a Superfood?
Beets are often referred to as a superfood due to their exceptional nutritional profile. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits. Beets are a rich source of folate, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain nitrates, which have been shown to improve athletic performance and lower blood pressure. Additionally, beets are known for their natural pigments called betalains, which possess powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Importance of Juicing Beets
Juicing beets can be an excellent way to incorporate this superfood into your diet. By juicing, you can extract the juice from the beets, allowing for easy digestion and absorption of the nutrients. The concentrated juice provides a quick and convenient way to consume a large quantity of beets in a single serving. Plus, juicing allows you to enjoy the natural sweetness of beets without any added sugars or ingredients. It’s a refreshing and delicious way to reap the benefits of this incredible vegetable.
Preparing Beets for Juicing
To get started with juicing beets, you need to ensure proper preparation. Begin by selecting fresh and organic beets from your local market or grocery store. Look for beets that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid beets that appear wrinkled, bruised, or have soft spots. Once you have your beets, follow these steps to prepare them for juicing:
Step 1: Wash the Beets
Start by thoroughly rinsing the beets under cold running water. Gently scrub the skin to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. This step is crucial to ensure that your juice is clean and free from any unwanted substances.
Step 2: Remove the Tops
Beets are comprised of two main parts: the root and the tops. The tops, also known as beet greens, are edible and highly nutritious. However, for juicing purposes, it is best to separate the tops from the roots. Simply cut off the leafy greens at the base of the beet, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the root.
Step 3: Peel the Beets (Optional)
While the skin of beets is edible, some people prefer to peel it before juicing. Peeling the beets can help reduce any earthy or bitter taste that may be present in the skin. If you choose to peel the beets, use a vegetable peeler or a knife to remove the outer layer. Keep in mind that the skin contains valuable nutrients, so peeling is optional.
What Part of Beets Do You Juice?
When it comes to juicing beets, you can juice both the roots and the tops. Both parts are highly nutritious and offer different benefits:
Roots
The roots of the beets are the main part used for juicing. They are sweet and provide a vibrant red color to the juice. The roots contain most of the nutrients, including nitrates, betalains, and fiber. By juicing the roots, you can enjoy the concentrated goodness of beets in a convenient and delicious form.
Tops
As mentioned earlier, the tops, or beet greens, can also be juiced. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Including the beet greens in your juice adds an extra nutritional boost. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the greens can be slightly bitter. To balance the taste, you can mix them with other fruits and vegetables in your juice.
Best Flavor Combinations for Beet Juice
Beets have a distinct earthy taste that may not appeal to everyone. To enhance the flavor and add variety to your beet juice, you can combine it with other fruits and vegetables. Here are some delicious flavor combinations to try:
Beet, Carrot, and Orange Juice:
This combination is both refreshing and naturally sweet. The carrots and oranges complement the earthiness of the beets, creating a perfectly balanced juice.
Beet, Apple, and Ginger Juice:
Apples provide a natural sweetness that pairs well with the beet’s earthy flavor. Adding a hint of ginger adds a pleasant spiciness and boosts the juice’s overall flavor.
Beet, Pineapple, and Mint Juice:
The tropical sweetness of pineapple helps mask the earthy taste of beets. Mint adds a refreshing twist and leaves a cool sensation.
Beet, Cranberry, and Lemon Juice:
Cranberries provide a tartness that contrasts with the beets, while lemon adds a burst of citrusy flavor. This combination is tangy, refreshing, and full of antioxidants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beets are a superfood that can be enjoyed in the form of juice. When juicing beets, both the roots and tops can be used, each offering unique nutritional benefits. Remember to wash the beets thoroughly, remove the tops, and optionally peel the roots before juicing. To enhance the flavor, experiment with different combinations of fruits and vegetables. So go ahead, juice those beets, and make the most of this incredible superfood!