Pickling Beetroot

[Grahame]

I've just found some lovely big beetroots hiding in amongst the weed in one of my neglected mandala beds. My beetroots this year have been amazingly sweet. I've grown them before but they have never been so good, and without a hint of that earthy taste. So we've been enjoying them raw more than ever and they are fast becoming one of my favourite things to grow.

We also preserve/pickle quite a few... I've been using one recipe that is OK, but I was wondering if anyone has a tried and tested beetroot preserving method?

Cheers
Grahame

[mischief]

I just boil the beetroot til soft, rub the skin of under cold water and slice the beetroot up.

While thats happening I have some half and half white vinegar and water coming to the boil with abit of what ever herb or spice I feel like putting in at the time(fav is dillseed or caraway seed).

I add sugar to taste as I prefer a sweet pickle.

When the sugar has dissolved and the mix boiled for afew minutes I pour the vinegar slowly oever the beetroot(after I have put it in the jars).

The jars have been sterilised in the oven after being washed throroughly with hot soapy water and rinsed and the lids have been boiled on the stove top in a pot.

I then let alittle flow over the top, pop on the lid and screw down not too tight, wipe down the jar and put it somewhere out of the way and on a dry surface to cool down.

It will then seal itself and look lovely and be ready to eat in about 6 weeks(or a week if you must but the flavours improve a bit with ages).

[solarpoweredplants]

the only place I have ever had pickled beetroot was in a hole in the wall Mediterranean place. It was pretty good! I'd porbably try looking in some Mediterranean cookbooks.

[sun burn]

We've made it. I can't remember what recipe we used off the top of my head but i think the missing ingredient is allspice. Buy it whole and pound it up yourself. This is a an excellent spice to have on your shelf. It makes pumpkin soup especially delicious. Its great with meat and chicken. Its got a good subtle flavour. Otherwise, google online for beetroot recipes.

[purplepear]

Peter Cundal puts horseradish in the pickling stuff and now so do I - beautiful.