Find out how raw beets taste, their texture, how they're eaten, and what nutrients they offer to help you make the most of this delicious vegetable. This article was well-researched and it tells you everything you need to know about beets.

Jump to:
What Is Beetroot?
Beets are a root vegetable that is part of the Chenopodiaceae family, which also includes spinach, Swiss chard, and quinoa. Beetroot is native to temperate regions of Europe, but it is now grown throughout the world.
The plant grows best in well-drained, sandy soil and requires full sun. It can also be juiced or used as a natural food coloring. To add some bite to salads, use beet greens.When cooked, beetroot becomes sweet and earthy in flavor.
Beetroot is a good source of nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamins A and C. It also contains nitrates, which can help to lower blood pressure.
Beetroot is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, including European, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes. Furthermore, beetroot is low in calories and fat-free, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet.
What Do Beets Taste Like?
Beets taste is unique that some people enjoy and others find to be earthy and slightly sweet. The flesh of the beet is firm and can range in color from deep red to purple.
Some beets also have white or yellow flesh. The taste of beets can also vary depending on their variety. For example, golden beets tend to be a bit sweeter than red beets.
Beets are often used in salads, roasted as a side dish, or pureed into soup. They can also be fermented to make beet kvass, a popular probiotic beverage. No matter how you eat them, beets are a delicious and nutritious way to add color and flavor to your meal.
What Does A Beet Look Like?
If you've never seen one, you might be curious about what a beet looks like. Here is a brief summary:
- Beets are typically oval or oblong in shape, with smooth, reddish-purple skin.
- Underneath the skin is the flesh of the beet, which can range in color from deep red to pale pink.
- At the center of the beet is a small, dark core.
- Beets also have a network of white veins running through them.
- When you cut into a raw beet, you'll notice that it releases a red juice. This juice can be used in cooking or as a natural dye.

Why Do Beets Taste Like Dirt?
Beets have an unmistakable earthy flavor that is derived from geosmin, a compound known for giving soil its characteristic smell.
When raindrops fall on dry ground, the geosmin is released into the air and can be noticed in that refreshing smell after showers. In addition to this, alpha-ionone and beta-ionone – compounds found in violets – also give beets their unique flavor.
Interestingly, this earthy taste is not as strong as that of truffles taste due to the presence of androstenone, a different chemical compound found in truffles' that gives them their musky scent.
How To Cook Beets
Cooking beets may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple. Here are a few easy steps to follow:
- First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Next, wash your beets thoroughly and trim off any leafy greens.
- Cut the beets into uniform pieces - this will help them cook evenly.
- Place the beets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and add some cloves of garlic and a few rosemary sprigs.
- Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they're fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before peeling and eating.

What Are The Benefits Of Beetroot
Beets are root vegetables that come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, and purple.
- They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, folate, manganese, potassium, and fiber.
- Beets also contain nitrates, which can help to lower blood pressure.
- In addition, beets are a natural source of betaine, which has been shown to protect against heart disease.
- There is some evidence that beets may also boost exercise performance due to the presence of nitric oxide, which can increase blood flow.
How To Store
It is important to keep beets dry and away from light when storing them. Beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How To Freeze Beets
They can also be frozen for up to six months, follow these simple steps to freeze beets.
- To freeze beets, trim off the leaves and wash the roots.
- Cut the beets into slices or dice them, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Label the container with the date so you will know when they were frozen.
How To Pickle Beets
Beets can also be pickled for long-term storage, follow these simple steps to pickle beets.
- To pickle beets, wash them and cut them into slices or quarters.
- Place the fresh beets in a jar or container, and add vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices.
- Be sure to sterilize the jar before adding the ingredients. Store pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to six months.
- Pickled beets taste may vary depending on how they are pickled.
People Also Ask [FAQs]
The beetroot is the taproot portion of the beet plant, and it can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw beets will have a strong earthy taste.
You can eat beet skin, but some people prefer to peel it off.
Wrap Up: What Do Beets Taste Like?
- Beets have a sweet, earthy flavor that is often compared to spinach or chard.
- They can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled, and are a popular ingredient in many dishes.
- Beets are also a good source of nutrients, including iron and folate.
- Beets are delicious root vegetables that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
- From roasted to pickled, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with beets.
If you enjoyed reading about beets, leave a comment and let us know! We would love to hear your thoughts.
🍽️ Recipe
Simple and Easy Beet Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 beets peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 apple cored and cubed
- ½ carrot peeled and diced
- 1 inch piece of ginger peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon honey optional
- ½ cup water or juice
Instructions
- Simply put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- If you find the taste too strong, you can add more water or dilute it with other juices.
- You can also add other fruits or vegetables to taste.
Sophie M.
I am trying to make my daughter eat beetroot, as she is very picky and really needs some greens in her diet. This has given me a few talking points. Thank you!
Elle
I hope it helps, Sophie!