Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely freeze whole roasted beets. Freezing is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of roasted beets for longer term storage.
How to Freeze Whole Roasted Beets
Freezing whole roasted beets is simple. Here are the basic steps:
- Allow roasted beets to cool completely after roasting. You want them at room temperature before freezing.
- Leave whole or slice/dice beets if desired. Whole roasted beets are easy to defrost and use later.
- Place beets in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer frozen beets to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
- Label bags with contents and date. Frozen whole roasted beets will keep for 6-8 months.
Freezing beets whole makes it easy to defrost just what you need for recipes. Simply remove desired amount and allow to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Tips for Freezing Roasted Beets
Follow these tips for best results freezing whole roasted beets:
- Use beets that are fresh and firm. Older or soft beets will become mushy when thawed.
- Roast beets until tender but not mushy. Overcooking will make them lose texture.
- Allow roasted beets to cool fully before freezing. Freezing warm beets raises moisture content.
- Use freezer bags or airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Blanch and freeze any beet greens separately.
- Label bags with type of beet (golden, red, etc) and roasting date.
How to Use Frozen Roasted Beets
Frozen roasted beets are versatile and can be used in either sweet or savory recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use them:
- Chop and add to salads, grain bowls, pasta dishes, or roasted veggie medleys.
- Puree with olive oil and garlic for dips, spreads, soups or sauces.
- Dice and add to quinoa or rice dishes for a nutrition and color boost.
- Slice thin and use on sandwiches and flatbread pizzas in place of fresh tomato.
- Roast with maple syrup, orange juice, or balsamic for a quick glazed beet side dish.
- Blend into smoothies for color and sweet earthy flavor.
Defrosted roasted beets have a softer texture than fresh raw beets, so they work best in cooked dishes rather than salads. Adjust cooking times accordingly in recipes.
Can You Freeze Pickled Beets?
You can also freeze pickled beets, but they will soften more compared to roasted plain beets. Here are some guidelines:
- Use only fully cooled pickled beets, drained well.
- Freeze in a single layer on a lined pan before transferring to bags.
- Thaw pickled beets in fridge before serving to prevent excess softness.
- Use thawed pickled beets within 3-4 days for best quality and texture.
- Save brine separately to use later over defrosted beets.
While freezing changes the crispy texture of pickled beets, it does retain the flavor well. Thawed pickled beets are best used in relishes, salads, or other dishes rather than eating plain.
Storing Roasted Beets without Freezing
If you don’t want to freeze your roasted beets, here are some other storage options:
Refrigerate
Store roasted beets in an airtight container or zip top bag in the fridge for 5-7 days. Wrap beet greens separately.
Canning
Home canned roasted beets will last up to 12 months. This requires a pressure canner and proper canning technique.
Pickling
Pickled beets last 3-6 months refrigerated. The vinegar preserves the beets and gives a tangy flavor.
Vacuum sealing
Use a vacuum sealer on cooked beets in portions sizes to extend fridge life to 2-3 weeks.
Nutrition Benefits of Beets
Beets provide many nutritional benefits. Roasted beets retain a lot of the same nutrition as raw. Here are some of the top nutrients in cooked beets:
| Nutrient | Amount (in 1 cooked beet) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Folate | 136mcg | Supports cell function and tissue growth |
| Maganese | 0.3mg | Aids bone health and metabolism |
| Potassium | 325mg | Regulates fluid balance and blood pressure |
| Vitamin C | 4.9mg | Boosts immune function and iron absorption |
Beets also contain antioxidants called betalains that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Their bright color signals high antioxidant content.
Conclusion
Freezing whole roasted beets is an easy way to preserve their flavor, color, and nutritional benefits well beyond the normal refrigerator shelf life. Their sweet earthy flavor and tender texture makes defrosted roasted beets an ideal ingredient in a wide variety of dishes. With proper freezing and storage methods, you can enjoy home roasted beets for months after harvesting or purchase. Use thawed roasted beets in salads, soups, grains, sandwiches, and more for a nutritional boost.