Beetroot powder is a versatile ingredient with a number of culinary and health benefits. Made from dehydrated beets ground into a fine powder, it has a vibrant pinkish-purple color and can be used to add both nutrients and natural color to foods and drinks. This article will provide an in-depth guide on how to make homemade beetroot powder, as well as tips for using it.
Beetroots have been gaining popularity in recent years as a superfood due to their impressive nutritional profile. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds linked to various health benefits. Some research has found that beets may help lower blood pressure, improve athletic performance, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
What You'll Need
Making beetroot powder is a straightforward process that only requires a few key pieces of equipment:
- Fresh beetroots - Choose firm, smooth beets without blemishes. Organic is best if possible.
- Mandoline/Slicer - For uniform thin slicing to ensure even drying. A basic handheld mandoline works well.
- Baking sheets - Lined with parchment paper for easy beet slice transfer.
- Oven or dehydrator - For slow, low-temperature drying to remove moisture. Ovens work well at temperatures from 95°F to 180°F.
- Blender or food processor - For grinding the dried beet slices into a fine powder once fully dehydrated. A high-powered blender is ideal to get a super smooth powder.
Key Takeaway: With fresh beets, basic kitchen tools like a mandoline slicer and blender, and an oven or dehydrator, you can make beetroot powder at home.
Step 1: Prep the Raw Beets
Before dehydrating, you'll need to prep the fresh beetroots:
- Clean the beets - Scrub the beetroots under running water to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them to prevent losing water-soluble vitamins.
- Trim and peel - Cut off all but 1-2 inches of the stem and root ends, then peel the skin with a vegetable peeler or knife. Try to avoid excess flesh loss.
- Thinly slice - Using your mandoline, slice the beetroots 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick for quick, even drying. Some basic handheld mandolines work perfectly for this.
Pro Tip: Wearing kitchen gloves helps minimize stained hands when prepping beets!
Once prepped, your beet slices are ready for dehydrating.
Step 2: Dehydrate the Beet Slices
There are two easy methods for dehydrating beetroot slices - in the oven or a food dehydrator:
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 95°F-125°F, the lowest possible setting (160°F max). Beets shouldn't be cooked, only dried.
- Line sheets with parchment paper then arrange slices in a single layer, ensuring no overlapping.
- Place sheets on middle rack. Prop door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to vent.
- Dehydrate for 6-12 hours, checking periodically. Beets are done when dried through but not browned.
Dehydrator Method
- Line dehydrator trays with parchment paper and arrange beet slices in a single layer.
- Dehydrate at 95°F for 6 to 15 hours. Check periodically until beets are completely dried but not browned.
Pro Tip: Rotate the trays and shuffle the slices occasionally for even drying.
Step 3. Blend into Beetroot Powder
Once the beet slices are fully dried, you're ready to blend them into beetroot powder:
- Transfer slices to a dry blender or food processor. A high-powered blender is best for a fine powder.
- Blend on high until a fine powder is achieved, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Let the powder settle before opening your blender to prevent any "beet poofs!"
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to help retain vivid color and nutrients. Your homemade beetroot powder is now ready to use!
Your homemade beet powder should have a vibrant, fuchsia hue and sweet, earthy aroma when fresh. Be creative with ways to use it!
Key Takeaway: Dehydrating sliced beets slowly in the oven or a food dehydrator, then blending into powder is a simple process for making homemade beetroot powder.
Using Your Homemade Beetroot Powder
The uses for vibrant beetroot powder are endless. Here are just a few ways to enjoy it:
Add Color and Nutrition to Foods
Stir beet powder into:
- Smoothies, shakes, juices
- Yogurt, oatmeal, cereal
- Soups, sauces
- Baked goods like muffins, breads
- Frostings, doughs, batters
- Hummus, dressings, marinades
Pro Tip: Start with 1 tsp powder per serving and adjust color as desired.
Use as Natural Food Coloring
Mix beet powder with a bit of water to make a natural coloring paste. Ideas:
- Tint cake batter and frostings
- Brighten up pancake mix
- Make pink lemonade or juice blends
- Color coconut yogurt
- Dye icings naturally pink or purple
Boost Exercise Performance
The nitrates in beets support circulation and oxygen use. For a pre-workout boost, mix 1-2 tsps beet powder in water or juice and drink an hour before your fitness routine.
Key Takeaway: Get creative with homemade beetroot powder by adding its nutrition and color to foods and drinks or using it as an all-natural coloring for recipes.
Homemade Beetroot Powder Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh red beets, scrubbed clean
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Peel beets and slice into 1/8" rounds using a mandoline for uniform thinness.
- Line baking sheets with parchment and arrange slices in a single layer. Be careful not to overlap.
- Place in oven at lowest setting or a dehydrator set at 95-125°F. Dehydrate 6-15 hours until completely dried but not browned.
- Transfer dried beet slices to a high-powered blender. Blend on high into a fine fuchsia powder, about 30 seconds.
- Store powder in an airtight container out of sunlight to retain color and nutrients.
FAQs
How long does homemade beetroot powder last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, beetroot powder will last about 1 year. Always check for signs of moisture or spoilage before use.
What's the best way to store beetroot powder?
The best storage containers for maximizing shelf life are dark-colored glass jars or bottles. Stainless steel containers also work well. Keep containers in cool, dark places like pantries or cupboards.
Can the beet greens be used too?
Yes, beet greens can also be dehydrated and added to the powder blend. They’re highly nutritious! Follow the same drying methods.
What’s the best way to get a fine powder?
Use a high-powered blender like a Vitamix rather than a standard blender or small food processor. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds for the finest grind. Let powder settle before opening blender.
Is it better to use fresh or cooked beets?
Fresh, raw beets retain more nutrients through the dehydration and grinding process. Cooked beets have already been through high heat, reducing some beneficial compounds.
Conclusion
Making vibrant, nutritious beetroot powder at home is simple and fun. With just a few basic tools and ingredients, you can create a versatile powder to boost nutrition, provide natural coloring, and enhance recipes.
Experiment with integrating this vibrant superfood into smoothies, baked goods, dressings, workouts, and more. Homemade beet powder also makes a wonderful all-natural holiday gift!