Are Beets Good For You?
CALIFORNIA GROWN
Beets, those vibrant and earthy gems cultivated in the golden fields of California, are not just a feast for the eyes; they offer a treasure trove of health benefits. Whether you are roasting beets as a dinner side dish or want to give our flavorful Quick Pickled Beets recipe a go, you will benefit greatly from incorporating beets into your mealtime routine.
Among the many advantages of eating beets, perhaps the most noteworthy is their ability to support healthy blood pressure levels. Amy Myrdal Miller (MS, RDN, FAND), a renowned nutrition expert on the CA GROWN team, sheds light on the nutritional wonders hidden within these humble root vegetables.
Beets provide a well-rounded nutritional profile that nourishes the body in various ways. One key component contributing to beets’ positive impact on blood pressure is their natural ability to contain nitrates. Amy Myrdal Miller explains that when we consume beets, these nitrates undergo a fascinating transformation within our bodies. These compounds convert into nitric oxide, a substance known to relax arteries. This natural process sets the stage for a host of health benefits.
The artery-relaxing properties of beets contribute to blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular well-being. By fostering a relaxed and efficient vascular system, beets support optimal blood flow, ensuring that the heart can efficiently pump oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Our Quick-Pickled Beets are a delightful blend of sweetness and tang, crafted with a mix of apple cider vinegar and rice wine vinegar, perfectly balanced by a hint of sugar. Infused with a unique blend of spices, including mustard seed, celery seed, and a touch of red pepper flakes, they offer a vibrant burst of flavor with every bite. The result is a sophisticated, aromatic Quick Pickled Beet that beautifully elevates any meal.
While most recipes for pickled beets require large ingredient quantities and at least a basic understanding of the canning process, ours is a simple, small-batch quick pickle recipe that only requires a few simple steps to achieve. The basic ingredients for this recipe are pretty straightforward: beets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can choose to season your pickled beets with the spices we call for or change the seasonings to suit your tastes.
Gather and prep ingredients.
Rub beets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Fill the baking pan with water and cover tightly with foil.
Roast until tender.
Peel the beets by rubbing gently with a paper towel.
Wrap spices in cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine.
Combine the ingredients for the pickling liquid and add the cheesecloth bundle.
Pour the brine over the diced or sliced beets and cool completley. Allow to marinate for at least an hour before eating.
If you are curious about the many wonderful ways you can enjoy pickled beets, we thought we’d share a few of our favorites. Of course, our first suggestion would be to eat them as they are, directly from the jar. They’re perfect little morsels to add to salads, charcuterie boards, and cheese plates. When paired with feta cheese, they make a great crostini topper, too!
Once you’ve eaten the delicious pickled beets, you will be left with a jar of beautiful magenta-hued pickle brine. Don’t throw it out! This flavorful liquid is a great vinegary base for salad dressings.
To help consumers recognize California's role in food production and to connect them with the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers that grow over 400 specialty crops in the Golden State. And Since California produces over 50% of the nation's produce, we have lots of stories to tell.