If you’re like me and your garden is overflowing with veggies, you need find ways to preserve your harvest. One of my favorite methods to preserve things like beets, spinach, and carrots is to turn them into powder.
These powders save your veggies from spoiling and add a nutrient boost to your recipes. Let’s turn fresh beets into a shelf-stable powder that you can use in smoothies, baked goods, pastas, and even skincare products.
Overview of Beet Powder Recipe
Equipment Needed
- A knife and vegetable peeler
- A baking sheet or dehydrator trays
- An oven or dehydrator
- A food processor, spice grinder, or high-powered blender
- An airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium-sized beets
Instructions Summary
- Prep the beets: Wash the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the beets into thin, even slices. The thinner the slices, the faster they’ll dry. Aim for 1/8 to 1/16-inch thickness if possible. I use a mandolin to get the beets paper thin.
- Dehydrate the beets with an oven: Preheat the oven to the lowest possible temperature. Arrange the beet slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry the beets for about 3-4 hours, until fully dried and crispy. Leave the oven door slightly ajar so the moisture can escape.
- Dehydrate the beets with a dehydrator: Place the beet slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer. Dry at 125°F for about 6-8 hours or until the slices are completely dry and brittle.
- Grind into powder: Once the beets are fully dried, let them cool completely. Add the dried beet slices to a food processor, spice grinder, or high-powered blender. Pulse until the beets are ground into a fine powder. Pause and shake the container a few times in between to get all the dried beet bits to grind.
- Store the beet powder: Transfer the powder to an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dark place. Use the powder within 6 months for the best quality.
How to Use Beet Powder
Smoothies and Juices
Add 1-2 teaspoons of beet powder to your smoothies or juices for extra vitamins. It goes well with berries, apples, carrots, and greens like spinach or kale. Bonus: it will make your smoothie a beautiful pink color!
Baked Goods
Use beet powder in muffins, pancakes, cookies, or cakes to add a natural pink color. Start with about 1 tablespoon and adjust according to your desired color intensity. It has a very mild earthy flavor.
Homemade Pasta and Noodles
Mix beet powder into pasta dough to create pink-colored pasta or noodles. For most pasta recipes, add 1-2 teaspoons to the dough and mix thoroughly. Adjust as needed.
Soups and Stews
Stir a spoonful of beet powder into soups and stews for a nutrient boost. Start with 1-2 teaspoons, then adjust to taste. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and avoid boiling. Alternatively, you can add the powder to individual servings if not everyone is excited to eat pink-toned soup :).
Energy Balls and Bars
Combine the beet powder with ingredients like oats, nuts, dates, honey, and seeds. Use about 1-2 teaspoons for most recipes.
Salad Dressings and Dips
Whisk a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of beet powder into vinaigrettes, yogurt dips, or hummus for a pretty pink color and nutrient boost. The powder pairs well with ingredients like lemon, garlic, and Greek yogurt.
Tea and Lattes
Mix beet powder with hot water or milk (or a milk alternative) to create a beet latte. Add honey, cinnamon, or ginger for extra flavor. For an earthy and energizing drink, add 1 teaspoon of the powder to your favorite herbal tea.
Natural Food Coloring
Use beet powder as a natural food dye in icings, frostings, or homemade sauces. It provides a stunning pink color. Add a small amount at a time and mix until you reach your desired shade.
Face Masks and Skincare
Beet powder is rich in antioxidants, which is great for your skin. You can add a pinch to homemade face masks for a natural, radiant glow. Mix about 1 teaspoon of the powder with ingredients like honey, yogurt, or aloe vera gel to make a soothing face mask. Be careful not to add too much – the powder can stain your skin.
I use beet powder in my lip balm recipe. It adds a beautiful sheer pink tint!
Beet Powder
Equipment
- A knife and vegetable peeler
- A baking sheet or dehydrator trays
- An oven or dehydrator
- A food processor, spice grinder, or high-powered blender
- An airtight container for storage
Materials
- 3 Beets medium-sized
Instructions
Prep the Beets:
- Wash and peel the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Slice the beets into thin, even slices. The thinner the slices, the faster they’ll dry. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness if possible.
Dehydrate the Beets (Oven Method):
- Preheat the oven to the lowest possible temperature, typically around 120°F to 175°F.
- Place the beet slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are spread out in a single layer with no overlapping.
- Put the tray in the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
- Dry the beets for 3-4 hours. Check periodically to make sure they don’t burn. The beets are ready when they are completely dry, brittle, and break easily.
Dehydrate the Beets (Dehydrator Method):
- Place the beet slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Set the dehydrator to 125°F (52°C) and dry for 6-8 hours or until the slices are completely dry and brittle.
- Once the beets are fully dried, let them cool completely.
Grind into Powder:
- Add the dried beet slices to a food processor, spice grinder, or high-powered blender.
- Pulse until the beets are ground into a fine powder. Pause and shake the container to make sure everything is grinding.
Store the Beet Powder:
- Transfer the beet powder to an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dark place.
- Homemade beet powder can stay fresh for up to a year if stored properly. Use it within 6 -12 months for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beet powder contains nutrients like vitamins C and B6, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It can help improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and help improve overall cardiovascular health. Beets can also help support liver function.
Beets are generally safe but people with kidney stones, low blood pressure, or diabetes should be cautious and consult with their doctors before taking beet powder.
Yes, it’s generally OK to take beet powder every day in small to moderate amounts, but consult with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Beetroot helps support the heart and liver. Beets contain nitrates that help support cardiovascular health by promoting blood vessel dilation. Additionally, beets contain betaine that helps support liver function and the detoxification processes.
Beets contain antioxidants and nutrients that support the body’s natural detoxification processes, especially in the liver. However, the powder itself doesn’t directly “detox” the body but provides nutrients that support the body’s organs in carrying out these functions.
References
Ceclu, L., & Oana-Viorela, N. (2020). Red beetroot: Composition and health effects—A review. Journal of Nutrition Medicine and Diet Care, 6, Article 043. https://doi.org/10.23937/2572-3278.1510043
Mirmiran, P., Houshialsadat, Z., Gaeini, Z., & Others. (2020). Functional properties of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) in the management of cardio-metabolic diseases. Nutrition & Metabolism, 17, Article 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-019-0421-0
Mudgal, D., Puja, Singh, S., Singh, B., & Samsher. (2022). Nutritional composition and value-added products of beetroot: A review. Journal of Crop and Food Science, 3(1), 1-9. Available at: https://www.foodresearchjournal.com/article/51/3-1-1-223.pdf
