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When I was offered pickled beets as a child, I instantly thought, Yuck! As an adult, I actually think quite the opposite. A roast beef dinner just isn’t the same without a few pickled beets on the side. They seem to bring out the flavor in everything on your plate. I have been canning 20 – 30 jars of pickled beets for the last three years now. They are enjoyed by my own family and have made wonderful gifts!
Several years ago, when we first started gardening, I attempted to grow beets. This was an utter failure given the fact that the brand new ground we had cleared was incredibly hard and full of rocks. Yes, all our root crops were a disaster! Since our ground has been improved over the years, I decided to attempt it again this past growing season. I wouldn’t say it was an overall success, but we did get a few beets and radishes.
This being the case, you are probably thinking where did you get all the beets to can so many? I have to say, I really like to promote shopping locally. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by many different large and small vegetable stands. In the fall of the year, many of these farmers sell items like beets, carrots, potatoes, and more in large bulk amounts at a discount. We take advantage of this and stock up on a year’s supply of everything we can get our hands on!
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Common Questions about Pickled Beets
How long do pickled beets have to sit before eating?
Pickled beets really do not have to sit as long as many other kinds of pickles before opening that first jar and enjoying their flavor. Typically 2 – 7 days is plenty of time for them to “Pickle” and to give you that added “beety” pickle flavor that you are craving.
Well, the flavor does improve the longer you wait, the shelf life in 12-18 months. This is only if they are sealed properly and canning safety has been followed. I will add some resources for this below.
Now you may be asking, “How long do opened pickled beets last in the refrigerator?”. Pickled beets that have been continuously refrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about1 to 3 months.
Home Canning Safety Resources
What are the benefits of eating pickled beets?
Canning pickled beets in your own kitchen do allow you to take control over what goes into this tasty snack, so you are able to reap the reward of nutritional benefits. The process you use can either decrease or increase the nutritional value of these vivid red root vegetables! Pickling does preserve the freshness of the beet so you can enjoy this vegetable anytime.
Just one helping of pickled beets provides a low-fat source of energy with valuable nutrients and fiber that goes a long way! I recommend adding beets to your diet to give you a vital source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help you lose weight, protect your bones, regulate your blood pressure and reduce your risk of chronic disease.
How do you make pickled beets from scratch?
Pickled Beets
5 from 11 votes
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Course Preserve
Cuisine American
Servings 6 500ml Jars
Ingredients
- 10 Cups Cooked Beets Peeled & Chunked
- 5 Cups White Vinegar 5% Acidity
- 2 Cups Water
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 3 tbsp Pickling Spice Tied in Cheese Cloth Bag
Instructions
Scrub beets to remove any excess dirt. Be sure to leave the root and 2 inches of the stem in place to prevent bleeding.
Put the beets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the beets to a boil, cover and let simmer for 45 minutes or until beets are tender when tested with a fork.
Place 6 clean 500ml mason jars on a rack in a water bath canner and cover jars with water. Heat jars to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Place the lids and rings in a medium sized pot, fill will water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Keep both jars, lids, and rings hot till you are ready to use them.
Drain beets and rinse with cold water to cool. Once the beets are cool enough slip off the skins removing the root and stems. Chuck to desired sizes.
Combine spice bag with vinegar, water and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and boil gently for 15 minutes. Discard spice bag.
Pack beets into a hot jar leaving ¾ inch of headspace. Add the hot mixture to each jar leaving ½ inch of headspace.
Seal with lids and rings. Process in boiling hot water bath canner for 30 minutes. Let stand in the canner for 5 minutes with lid removed. Be sure to refrigerate any jars that fail to seal properly.
Keyword Beets, Canned Beets, Canning, Homemade Pickled Beets, Pickles, Preserving Beets
Final Notes On How To Make Pickled Beets
I do hope you enjoy this old-time canning recipe! Now that you know how I make my pickled beets, I would love to hear from you. If you have tried this recipe, please share your experience by commenting below!
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