How to Cook Beets

Any way you like them − you can boil, microwave, bake, or charcoal roast beets from the supermarket or fresh from the garden.

Step 1: Remove greens Remove the greens from 1 pound of beets, but leave 2 inches of stem.
TIP: Steam the tops of the beets if they are young. The greens are an excellent source of vitamins.
Step 2: Boil beets Boil the beets in water until they are tender, adding water as necessary. Young beets may require 30 to 40 minutes; mature beets up to 2 hours to cook.
Step 3: Microwave beets Microwave beets in a 1-quart casserole for 12 minutes as an alternative.
Step 4: Bake beets Bake the beets at 325 degrees until they're tender as another alternative. Allow at least 30 minutes for young beets and 1 hour for mature beets.
Step 5: Roast beets Wrap sliced beets in aluminum foil with seasoning and butter and roast them over hot coals on a grill.
Step 6: Cool beets Cool the beets slightly and remove their skins.
TIP: Beets contain a lot of vitamin C, plus potassium, magnesium and folic acid, and can be mashed for a healthy and delicious baby food.
Step 7: Season Season to taste, and serve with melted butter and parley. Paprika, horseradish, walnuts, and goat cheese also make tasty additions.
FACT: Beets are particularly rich in folate, which has been found to prevent neural-tube birth defects and aid in the fight against heart disease and anemia.