How to make beetroot powder? This powder can be used in a variety of recipes, such as smoothies, baked goods, and even as a natural food coloring. Plus, it’s a great way to add more nutrients to your diet.
There are several methods to make beetroot powder, including using a dehydrator, oven, or even the sun.
The process involves slicing the beets thinly and drying them until they are completely crisp.
Once dried, the beet slices can be ground into a fine powder using a spice grinder or high-speed mixer. The resulting powder can be stored in an airtight container for later use.
How To Make Beetroot Powder
If you’re looking for a way to use up your beets or want to add a healthy boost to your meals, making your own beetroot powder is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Selecting The Beets
Choose fresh, ripe beets that are firm and free of blemishes. Look for beets that are a deep, rich color, as this indicates that they are high in nutrients. Organic beets are the best choice, as they will be free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Step 2: Preparing The Beets
Wash the beets thoroughly and peel them. Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so that they will dehydrate evenly.
You can use a mandoline or food processor to make this process easier.
Step 3: Dehydrating The Beets
Spread the beet pieces out on a dehydrator tray in a single layer. Set the dehydrator to 125°F and let the beets dehydrate for 8-10 hours, or until they are completely dry and brittle.
Alternatively, you can dehydrate the beets in an oven set to the lowest temperature with the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
Step 4: Grinding the Dehydrated Beets
Once the beets are completely dry, transfer them to a high-speed blender or coffee grinder. Grind the beets until they are a fine powder.
You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender or grinder.
Store your beetroot powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use it to add a nutritious boost to smoothies, soups, sauces, and more.
Using Beetroot Powder
Now that you’ve made your own beetroot powder, you can start using it in various ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
In Smoothies and Juices
Beetroot powder is a great addition to smoothies and juices. It adds a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a vibrant red color.
Simply add a teaspoon or two of beetroot powder to your favorite smoothie or juice recipe and blend well. You can also mix it with other superfood powders like maca or spirulina for an extra boost of nutrients.
In Baked Goods
Beetroot powder can also be used as a natural food coloring in baked goods. It adds a beautiful pink or red hue to cakes, cookies, and other treats.
Simply mix a teaspoon or two of beetroot powder with a little water to make a paste, then add it to your batter or dough.
Keep in mind that the color will fade slightly during baking, so you may need to use a little extra powder to achieve the desired shade.
As a Natural Food Coloring
Aside from baked goods, beetroot powder can also be used to color other foods like frosting, pasta, and even savory dishes.
It’s a great alternative to synthetic food dyes, which can be harmful to your health.
Simply mix a small amount of beetroot powder with water or another liquid, then add it to your recipe. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed to achieve the desired color.
Storing Beetroot Powder
Once you have made your own beetroot powder, it is important to store it properly to ensure its freshness and quality.
Here are some tips on how to store your beetroot powder:
- Store the beetroot powder in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from getting in.
- Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause the powder to lose its color and flavor.
- Label the container with the date of production to keep track of its freshness. Beetroot powder can last up to 2 years if stored properly.
- If you live in a humid climate, you can add a food-grade desiccant packet to the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Beetroot powder can be used in a variety of dishes, such as smoothies, soups, and baked goods.
It is a great way to add color and nutrients to your meals. With these tips, you can store your beetroot powder properly and enjoy its benefits for a long time.
Key Points
Now that you’ve learned how to make beetroot powder, here are the key takeaways:
- Making beetroot powder is a great way to preserve beets and extend their shelf life.
- Beetroot powder can be used as a natural food coloring, a flavoring agent, or a nutritional supplement.
- When making beetroot powder, it’s important to use fresh beets, wash them thoroughly, and slice them thinly and evenly.
- You can dehydrate the beet slices in a food dehydrator, a convection oven on low heat, or in the sun covered with a net to keep insects from touching them.
- Once the beet slices are completely dried, you can grind them in a mixer grinder to form fine powder.
- Store the beetroot powder in an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge to maintain its freshness and potency.
- Beetroot powder can be added to smoothies, juices, baked goods, soups, sauces, and more.
- Beetroot powder is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and may offer various health benefits, such as improving blood pressure, enhancing exercise performance, and boosting brain function.
- However, beetroot powder may also have some side effects, such as staining your clothes, urine, and stool, and interacting with certain medications, such as nitrate drugs and blood thinners. Consult your doctor before using beetroot powder if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.
