How to Pickle Beetroot: A Step by Step Guide to Pickled Beetroot

Pickling has been around for centuries before reducing waste was a #trend. It is an amazing way to preserve seasonal vegetables extending their shelf life of a couple of days to a couple of years. So how do you pickle beetroot?

Cooking beets and submerging them in a vinegar and spice solution helps preserve them for long periods of time. They are naturally sweet and are made up of over 80% water which makes them an ideal candidate for the pickling process.

Pickled beetroots are the perfect addition to any cheese platter, salad or a good ol’ sandwich.

How to make pickled beetroot

Ingredients:

1kg of beetroots
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
1 tsp allspice
6 cloves
1 cinnamon stick

Method:

Give the beetroots a good wash and trim off leaves (leaving on the roots).
Place in a pot and cover with water and bring to boil.
Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes of until tender.
Drain and allow beets to cool slightly.
Trim off roots, stems and remove skins. You can leave beets whole or slice them.
In a separate pot combine vinegar, water allspice, cloves, cinnamon and sugar. Bring to the boil then allow to simmer for five minutes.
Stuff beets into a hot, sterilised jar leaving 2cm of space from the top. While jars are still hot pour in warm liquid to cover the beets, leaving 2cm of space.
Fill a large stockpot halfway with water and bring to the boil. Place the jars in the water, pouring in extra eater if necessary until the jars are submerged in water. Bring to the boil and cover for ten minutes.
Store for at least three weeks before opening once opened store in the fridge.

How long will they last?

You can store an unopened jar of beets in a cool dry space for between 12 and 18 months. Once opened they will last in the fridge for 1 to 3 months.

Scandi-style sausage hash with pickled beetroot

Sausage with a difference! great day to start the day with this Scandinavian style breakfast.

Lottie Dalziel

Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes all things food. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.