Can You Freeze Beetroot?

Beetroot, also known as beet, is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be a great addition to many dishes.

Its earthy, sweet flavor pairs well with salads, soups, juices, and more. While fresh beetroot is delicious, you may find yourself with more than you can use at once. Freezing is an easy way to preserve beetroot and avoid food waste.

How to Freeze Beetroot

Freezing beetroot is simple if you follow a few key steps:

• Wash and peel the beetroot. Cut off the stem and leaves, then peel the skin with a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
• Cut the beetroot into slices, cubes, or wedges. Smaller pieces will freeze more evenly and make it easier to use in recipes later on.
• Blanch the beetroot pieces briefly in boiling water. Blanching halts the enzyme action that can cause a loss of flavor and texture. Blanch sliced beetroot for 2-3 minutes and cubed beetroot for 1-2 minutes.
• Cool the beetroot completely. Drain and plunge the beetroot into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
• Pack the beetroot pieces into airtight freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air and seal. This prevents freezer burn.
• Label the containers with the contents and date. Frozen beetroot will keep for 8–12 months.

Tips for Freezing Beetroot

Follow these tips for best results when freezing beetroot:

• Choose fresh, firm beetroot. Older, wilted beetroots will become mushy when thawed.
• Avoid overcrowding beetroot pieces when blanching. This ensures even cooking.
• Let beetroot cool completely before freezing. Freezing beetroot while it is hot can make it mushy.
• Use freezer bags or containers specifically designed for freezing. Other containers may crack as the beetroot expands.
• For convenience, pack beetroot in recipe-ready portions, like single servings.
• Prevent oxidation by packing beetroot pieces tightly together or layering them with plastic wrap.

Freezing whole, unpeeled beetroot is not recommended. The skin prevents quick freezing, leading to a loss of quality.

How to Use Frozen Beetroot

Frozen beetroot is versatile and can be used in many of the same recipes as fresh beetroot. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

• Add frozen beetroot cubes to smoothies for a nutrition and color boost.
• Toss roasted frozen beetroot into salads, grain bowls, and more for an earthy pop of sweetness. Simply roast while still frozen.
• Puree frozen beetroot with broth and seasonings for a rich borscht soup.
• Whip up colorful beet hummus by blending thawed and drained beetroot with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic.
• Mix diced frozen beetroot into homemade veggie burgers or meatloaf for moisture and flavor.
• Create a nourishing power bowl with thawed beetroot, cooked grains, greens, tofu, nuts, and avocado.

Let frozen beetroot thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using for maximum flavor and texture retention. Enjoy its sweet earthiness all year!

Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Beetroot

Freezing beetroot is easy, but some key questions may come up. Here are answers to the most common queries:

How long does frozen beetroot last?

Properly frozen beetroot will maintain quality for 8–12 months. After this time, it may become waterlogged or develop off-flavors.

Can you freeze beetroot juice?

Yes, beetroot juice can be frozen. Pour into ice cube trays or muffin tins before freezing, then store the cubes in freezer bags. The juice may separate slightly when thawed.

Can you freeze pickled beetroot?

Pickled beetroot can be frozen, but it may soften more compared to fresh when thawed. Drain off the vinegar brine before freezing for the best texture.

Can you freeze cooked beetroot?

Pre-cooked beetroot can be frozen but will become quite soft once thawed. It’s better to freeze raw beetroot and cook thawed beetroot instead.

Can you freeze beetroot leaves?

Yes, beet greens freeze well. Blanch first, cool, and freeze in airtight bags. Use within 6 months for the best quality.

Can you freeze beetroot whole?

Freezing whole, unpeeled beetroot is not recommended. The freezing process will be too slow, leading to a loss of flavor and texture.

Can you freeze beetroot chips?

Raw beetroot chips do not freeze well, as the thin slices will break down. However, cooked beet chips can be frozen and reheated until crispy. Let it cool fully before freezing.

Can you freeze beetroot whole without blanching?

It’s best not to freeze whole, unblanched beetroot. The exterior will freeze, but the inside will remain unfrozen, leading to texture issues and potential bacterial growth when thawing. Blanching ensures the beet cooks through.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen beetroot?

For the best flavor and texture, thaw frozen beetroot overnight in the refrigerator. Microwaving and running under hot water can make the beetroot mushy. Thaw the packaging to prevent oxidation.

How do you know if frozen beetroot is still good?

Check for signs of freezer burn, like dry, wrinkled patches, which indicate moisture loss. Also look for ice crystals, which develop over time as moisture seeps out. Off-odors, mold, and mushy textures mean the beetroot should be discarded.

Can you freeze beetroot pulp or puree?

Yes, beetroot that has been cooked and pureed can be frozen. Smooth purees freeze especially well. Portion into freezer containers, leaving headspace, and freeze for up to 4 months.

What are some nutritional benefits of beetroot?

Beetroot is low in calories but high in valuable nutrients like potassium, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, and antioxidants. It’s particularly high in nitrates that can improve circulation.

How do you select fresh beetroot to freeze?

Choose firm, smooth beetroot without wrinkles, bruises, or soft spots. Small to medium beets will freeze more evenly. Avoid very large beetroots, which tend to become woody.

Can you freeze beetroot in smoothies?

Yes, you can freeze blended smoothies containing beetroot. They may separate slightly after thawing, so shake or stir before drinking. Add some lemon juice to help maintain color.

The convenience of frozen beetroot

Freezing is an excellent way to preserve seasonal beetroot for use all year. Properly frozen beetroot retains its flavor and nutrients exceedingly well.

Take advantage of this simple process to enjoy beetroot’s unique sweet and earthy taste, no matter the season. Experiment with frozen beetroot in soups, baked goods, salads, and more. With a few tips, freezing and enjoying beetroot is easy and delicious.