I love beets, but I don’t always have time to make them. So, when I found out that the leaves can also be eaten—and are even healthier than their roots—I had to try freezing them! Here’s how I froze my first batch of beet greens and what you can do with them once they defrosted:
Can You Freeze Beetroot Leaves?
How To Freeze Beetroot Leaves
- Wash and dry the leaves.
- Cut the leaves into small pieces. You can use a knife or kitchen scissors for this step, but I highly recommend using the latter because it will make short work of this task and your hands won’t get dirty!
- Place the beetroot leaves in freezer bags and label them with date, type of leaf and quantity (e.g., 2/5/19 – red beetroots).
How Long Do Beetroot Leaves Last In the Freezer?
This will depend on how you’re storing your beetroot leaves and how long you have left until they expire. If you have a large supply of beetroot leaves and want to keep them for a long period of time, it’s best to store them in the freezer. This will keep them fresh for up to 12 months (if kept at -18°C / 0°F).
If you have only a small amount of beetroot leaves, then it may be better for you to refrigerate the leaves instead. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life by an additional 2–3 days, but frozen storage lasts longer so this method is not recommended if this is all that is available or if there are limited amounts available. Note: The shelf life statement only applies if these conditions are satisfied: 1) Proper handling and temperature; 2) Product stored as intended; 3) Contaminants not present 4) No foreign materials introduced into package; 5) Product used before spoilage occurs
How To Defrost Beetroot Leaves
Once you’ve made your beetroot leaves into a vegetable stock, it’s time to freeze them. To do this, simply prepare your frozen vegetables as usual and store them in freezer bags. The best way to defrost frozen beetroot leaf is by placing the bag in your refrigerator overnight or for about 24 hours. If you’re in a rush, place the bag in cold water for about 30 minutes or so and then remove it from the water and pat dry with paper towels before using it again.
Don’t microwave or heat up any food that contains plastic—it can release harmful chemicals into your food that may end up affecting how you feel after eating it! Also never let plastic touch hot liquids; they could melt together and create some seriously gross-looking stains on everything nearby (like your kitchen floor).
Don’t let leaves sit at room temperature while they’re thawing out; this will cause them to wilt faster than if they were kept cool all along until ready for use again later on down the road instead!
Can You Refreeze Beetroot Leaves?
Yes, you can freeze and re-freeze beetroot leaves. To do this, simply wash the leaves (if they are dirty), pat dry with a cloth or paper towel and then chop them into small pieces before placing in a freezer bag or container to store. The smaller you chop the leaves, the quicker they will defrost when you want to use them again.
Once frozen and stored in an airtight container or bag, beetroot leaves will last for up to two months in your freezer at -18°C/-0°F (though freshness may vary depending on how long it takes for your local temperature to reach -18°C/0°F).
Do Beetroot Leaves Freeze Well?
Can you freeze beetroot leaves? Yes, and we have the perfect way to do it!
Beetroot leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K. They also contain potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron.
How to Freeze Beetroot Leaves:
What Can You Do With Frozen Beetroot Leaves?
If you’re looking for ways to use the leaves of your beetroot plants, here are some ideas:
- Add them to soups, stews and casseroles. The leaves are delicate so they won’t overpower other flavors.
- Make a smoothie or juice with beetroot leaves. They’re high in vitamin C and can give your drink an earthy flavor that’s way more interesting than just adding spinach or kale.
- Use the leaves as a garnish for salads or grain dishes like rice or quinoa salads. You can even add them to potato salad! (They taste good with potatoes.) Just make sure not to use too much—they’re best when paired with other ingredients rather than standing alone as the main attraction on their own plate (or bowl).
- Use beetroot leaves as a substitute for spinach if you don’t want any strong colors in your dish but still want something green and nutritious!
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about freezing beetroot leaves. The best thing about freezing your own homegrown produce is that it’s so much cheaper than buying it fresh or frozen, and it tastes so much better too! Plus, if you are lucky enough to live in an area where you can grow your own vegetables then why not give this a try?
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
