Beetroot powder is an excellent way to reap the nutritional benefits of beets without the extra work of growing, peeling and cooking them! This versatile ingredient can be used in baking, sauces, oatmeal, and smoothies, so let’s make it a staple in your pantry!
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Is Beet Powder As Good As Eating Beets?
You will get the nutritional benefits of eating beets, but with fewer carbohydrates and calories than beets in any other form! Beetroot powder is a great option for fitness-conscious people following a keto diet or anyone wanting to reduce their sugar intake.
Health Benefits of Beetroot Powder
Beets are high in nutrients and have several health benefits. Read on to find out why you should include these vegetables in your diet:
- Good for Cardiovascular and Blood Health: Beets contain nitrates which help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. In other words, nitrates are great for heart health, healthy blood pressure, and healthy circulation of blood and oxygen in the body. In turn, this increases stamina, endurance, energy, and athletic recovery.
- Anti-Inflammatory: The phytonutrients found in beets (including vulgaxanthin, betanin, and isobetanin) help fight inflammation and swelling in the body.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Beets are packed with antioxidants known as betalains. These give beets their distinctive color and help the liver and kidneys to detoxify the body.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Beets contain folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. In fact, they are so high in vitamins and minerals that they are often referred to as nature’s multivitamin.
How to Make Beet Powder
Peel the beets and slice them thinly with a mandolin slicer. Spread the slices on a baking tray and place in a preheated oven on the lowest temperature setting. Once dried, the slices are ground to a fine powder.
You can also use a microwave to dehydrate the beetroot slices or air-dry them if you can find a hot and sunny space in your home. The time required depends on how thin the slices are (the thinner, the better).
How to Use Beetroot Powder
Mix a teaspoon of powder with a tablespoon of water and set aside while it dissolves. You can use this instead of artificial food coloring in your baking and cooking.
Homemade Beetroot Powder Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets
Instructions
- Preheat the oven on its lowest temperature setting. Wash the beets and then peel the skin.
- Using a mandolin slicer, slice the beets thinly.
- Cover a baking tray with baking paper and spread the beet slices over it in a single layer.
- When the oven is ready, put the tray in and leave the beet slices to dehydrate for a day (checking them regularly).
- Once the slices are crispy, remove from the oven and place in a clean mixer jar. Grind to a fine powder and leave for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
- Place in an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- You can use a microwave to dehydrate the beetroot slices or air-dry them if you have a hot and sunny space in your home.
- The thinner your slices are, the quicker they will dry.
- We don’t recommend grating the beets as this can cause you to lose a lot of juice and color.
- When you’re ready to use the powder, combine 1 teaspoon with 1 tablespoon of water and set aside while it dissolves. Use this in your baking and cooking instead of artificial food coloring.
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