Fresh beets and pickled beets offer different flavors and uses. Fresh beets are earthy and slightly sweet, perfect for roasting, boiling, or adding raw to salads. Pickled beets are cooked and preserved in a sweet and tangy brine, giving them a unique flavor and longer shelf life. Pickled varieties are ready to eat and great for quick snacks or topping salads, while fresh beets let you control the cooking and seasoning. Choosing between them depends on your taste preferences and how you plan to use them in meals.

To keep fresh beets at their best, remove the leafy tops (if present) and store the roots in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Place them in a perforated plastic bag to maintain moisture and prevent shriveling. They can last up to a couple of weeks when stored this way.

• Keep pickled or canned beets unopened in a cool, dry pantry.
• Once opened, refrigerate them in a sealed container and use within a week for best quality.

Absolutely! Canned beets are a convenient way to add color and flavor to salads. Simply drain and rinse them before slicing or dicing. They pair well with greens, goat cheese, nuts, and citrus. Since they’re already cooked, you can use them straight from the can, making meal prep quick and easy. For extra flavor, try marinating them briefly in your favorite vinaigrette before adding to your salad bowl.

To roast fresh beets, start by washing and scrubbing them to remove any dirt. Trim off the tops and roots, then wrap each beet in foil or place them on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F until tender, usually 40-60 minutes depending on size. Once cooled, the skins can be easily slipped off. Roasted beets can be sliced, cubed, or served whole, and they add a sweet, earthy flavor to many dishes.

Yes, sweet beets can be a tasty and nutritious addition to smoothies. Their natural sweetness pairs well with fruits like berries, oranges, and bananas. You can use cooked, canned, or pickled beets—just chop them into small pieces before blending. Adding beets not only boosts color and flavor but also provides extra fiber. For a smoother texture, blend with yogurt or juice. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend.