How do you freeze beets for juicing?

Beets are a nutritious and delicious addition to juices. Freezing beets is an easy way to preserve them when they are in season so you can enjoy their benefits year-round. Here is a complete guide on how to properly freeze beets for juicing.

Benefits of Juicing Beets

Beets provide many health benefits when juiced. Here are some of the top reasons to use frozen beets for juicing:

• High in nutrients like folate, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber
• Contain pigments called betalains that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories
• Support detoxification
• Improve athletic performance and boost energy
• May help lower blood pressure
• Promote healthy digestion and regularity

Choosing Beets to Freeze

Select fresh, firm beets that feel heavy for their size. Avoid beets that are soft, wilted, or show signs of mold. Choose beets that are around 2-3 inches in diameter for the ideal juicing size.

Good beet varieties to freeze for juicing include:

• Detroit Dark Red – deep red interior, sweet flavor
• Bulls Blood – striking red color, rich earthy taste
• Touchstone Gold – mild sweet flavor, golden color
• Chioggia – red and white rings when sliced, mild flavor

How to Freeze Whole Beets

Follow these simple steps for freezing whole beets:

1. Trim the beet greens, leaving 1-2 inches of the stem attached. Reserve the greens for other uses.
2. Wash the beets thoroughly under running water. Scrub to remove any dirt but do not peel.
3. Blanch the beets. Boil a pot of water and add beets. Boil whole beets for 15-20 minutes or until a knife can be easily inserted into the center. This helps stop enzyme action and extends shelf life.
4. Remove from water and allow beets to cool at room temperature. Once cool enough to handle, rub off the skins.
5. Slice off any remaining stem or root end.
6. Portion beets into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Squeeze bag gently to pack beets into a single layer.
7. Label bags with contents and freeze date. Freeze for up to 10-12 months.

How to Freeze Sliced or Diced Beets

Follow these instructions for freezing sliced or diced beets:

1. Start by washing and blanching beets as instructed above.
2. Once cool, use a paring knife to remove the skin from the beets.
3. Slice or dice beets into uniform pieces, about 1/2 inch cubes for juicing purposes.
4. Fill freezer containers or bags with sliced beets, allowing 1⁄2 inch headspace. Remove air and seal.
5. Label and freeze. Use within 8-10 months for best quality.

Beet Juice Blends

Mix frozen beets with other fruits and veggies to create nutrient-dense juices. Some tasty combinations include:

• Beet apple – tart and sweet
• Beet carrot – earthy and vibrant
• Beet lemon ginger – bright and zingy
• Beet spinach – deep green nutrition
• Beet celery – light and hydrating

Thawing and Juicing Frozen Beets

Using frozen beets for juicing is simple:

1. Remove beet cubes from the freezer and place sealed bag in the refrigerator for 18-24 hours to thaw.
2. Once thawed, pour beet cubes into your juicer per the appliance guidelines.
3. Juice beets alone or combined with fruits and vegetables of choice.
4. Pour beet juice into a glass and enjoy immediately for maximum nutrition.
5. Store any unused portion of juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Tips for Freezing Beets

• Choose young, firm beets for the highest quality results when freezing.
• Cut off greens before freezing to prevent nutrient loss from the roots.
• Blanching makes beets easier to peel and helps them retain color and texture.
• Allow beets to cool completely before packing into freezer bags.
• Avoid overcrowding sliced beets in bags to prevent them from freezing into a solid block.
• Use frozen beet cubes within 8-12 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Storing Thawed Beet Juice

For best quality and to retain nutrients, drink beet juice right after thawing and juicing. If you need to store beet juice:

• Pour juice into a sealed glass container, leaving 1/2 inch at the top.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Shake or stir juice before drinking to remix any separation.
• Do not refreeze thawed beet juice. Drink within 3 days.

Safety Tips

• Scrub beets well before cooking and freezing to remove dirt and debris.
• Beets can stain countertops and clothing. Use care when prepping.
• The beet greens are edible. Reserve for salads, sautéing etc.
• Consume beet juice in moderation. Excess consumption may cause colored stools.

The Benefits of Juicing with Frozen Beets

Juicing with frozen beets provides all the same powerful benefits as using fresh produce. Additional advantages include:

• Convenience – Frozen beets are prepped and ready to juice anytime.
• Year-round access – Enjoy beet juice regardless of season.
• Flexibility – Customize juices with preferred fruits and veggies.
• Consistency – Each batch of beet juice tastes the same.
• Cost savings – Buy beets in bulk when prices are low.
• Reduced waste – Use only what you need and preserve the rest.

Delicious Beet Juice Recipes

Here are a few tasty beet juice recipes to try with frozen beets:

Ruby Red Reviver

• 1 cup frozen beet cubes
• 1 apple, cored and quartered
• 1⁄2 lemon, peeled
• 1 inch ginger, peeled
• 3 carrots, greens removed

Green Giant Juice

• 1 cup frozen beet cubes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 granny smith apple
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1⁄2 lemon, peeled

Beet Berry Blend

• 1 cup frozen beet cubes
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 orange, peeled

Get creative and make your own frozen beet juice blends! Adjust the ingredient quantities to suit your tastes.

Freezing Beet Greens

Don’t let those beet greens go to waste! The leafy green tops are full of nutrients. Follow these steps to freeze beet greens:

1. Cut greens from beets, leaving 1-2 inches attached to bulb.
2. Wash greens thoroughly in cold water.
3. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes.
4. Shock in ice bath to stop cooking.
5. Drain greens and squeeze out excess moisture.
6. Transfer into freezer bags or containers.
7. Freeze for up to 6 months.

Add frozen beet greens to smoothies, soups, pesto, and more for a nutritional boost!

Conclusion

Freezing fresh beets at the peak of season lets you enjoy their many benefits in homemade juices all year long. Follow the simple steps for blanching and freezing beets for juice. Mix frozen beet cubes with complementary fruits and vegetables to create nutritious and delicious juices on demand. With a little planning ahead, you can reap the powerful health perks of beets conveniently from your own freezer. Start freezing beets today so your juices can stay nutrient-packed and vibrant!