Beet greens are the leafy, vibrant greens that grow atop beets, and they are a delicious and nutritious part of the plant that often goes overlooked. These tender and flavourful greens offer a unique combination of earthiness and slight sweetness.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, beet greens are a healthy addition to your meals. Unknown to most, beet greens contain high amounts of calcium, along with magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. They can improve your mental health by boosting your mood, which happens because of vitamin B6. So here are some ways to incorporate it into your diet:
use it in a stir fry
blend it and turn it into a soup or use it in a smoothie
bake it and turn it into chips (here's a recipe for that)
sauté it and use it as a side dish
Cooking With Beet Greens
As always, wash your vegetables thoroughly before starting any prep work. The best way to do so is to simply run it under cold water, gently rubbing the leaves to release any dirt or grime. You can use a salad spinner or paper towel to dry it afterward.
The stems of beet greens can have a unique flavour. When the plant is young and freshly harvested, it can be tender and full of sweetness, but otherwise it has a mild earthy, and slightly bitter flavour. So depending on what flavours you like and what dish you're making, the stems can be a nice addition.
Storing Beet Greens
As always, wash and dry your greens before storing them. If your beets are still attached to the beet greens, you'll want to remove them because this helps to prevent moisture transfer between the roots and the greens, which can cause spoilage.
There are two storage methods that work well for beet greens.
Wrap in damp paper towels: Place them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Before sealing, add a damp paper towel to help maintain moisture levels. The damp towel acts as a barrier, preventing the greens from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
Water storage: you can store beet greens in a container with a small amount of water. Fill a jar or glass with about an inch of water and place the beet greens, stem-side down, in the water. Loosely cover the greens with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh.
Happy Cooking!
