The Very Best Beetroot Chutney Recipe - Larder Love (2024)

FAQs

What is the shelf life of beetroot relish? ›

The relish needs to be covered in its own juices. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean paper towel, seal immediately and leave to cool. Store in the fridge for 6 months or heat process for 10 minutes for a shelf life of up to 2 years.

Wash the beets gently, making sure that you don't tear the skins, then place in a pan of warm water, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer until tender – around 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, you can steam whole beetroot or bake them in the oven for 2–3 hours at 150°C/gas mark 2.

First, wash your beets thoroughly. Then, grate them or use a food processor to finely dice them. Spread your beets on a parchment lined baking sheet and leave it on a sunny window sill for at least 48 hours. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 180F and let it dehydrate for about 20 minutes.

Chutney vs Relish

Both condiments are made with chopped vegetables, vinegar, and added spices. Typically, chutney has a softer consistency and contains a variety of fruit pieces. Relish usually contains one type of vegetable and no fruit.

It's best to follow the date printed on packaging of store bought relish. Unopened containers can probably last for around 30 months and up to 3 months once opened. If you make homemade relish, it should last a week, unless you have some hardcore canning capabilities.

Beetroot and its juice help your heart and lungs work better during exercise. Nitric oxide from beets increases blood flow to your muscles. Some athletes eat beetroot or drink beet juice when exercising to improve their performance. Beets are rich in folate (vitamin B9), which helps cells grow and function.

You can even enjoy them raw, either sliced thinly or grated. Choose beets that feel heavy for their size with fresh, unwilted green leafy tops still attached, if possible. Because dietary nitrates are water-soluble, it's best to avoid boiling beets if you'd like to maximize their nitrate content.

In addition to liver protection, beetroot also has a protective effect on the kidney.

If you like roasted beets, you'll love them grilled. Beets put directly on the grill grates sear and caramelize for a slightly smoky-sweet flavor. You won't get the same effect if you put them in foil—they'll be more like steamed beets. Grilled beets are perfect for any recipe calling for roasted.

Sometimes beets are peeled before cooking. They may also be scrubbed and cooked until tender with their skins on; the skins slip off fairly easily after cooling. (Some people are happy to leave the skins on; they are fine to eat.) You can also pickle cooked beets.

Why do you boil beetroot? ›

There are many ways to prepare beets, but one of the best methods is boiling, which softens up the tough root vegetable without robbing it of its natural juices. Just throw your beets in a deep pot, cover them with water, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and simmer them until they're tender, about 30-45 minutes.

Rubbing a slice of beetroot directly on the face

Rubbing a slice of raw beetroot on your face and then washing it after 5 minutes can bring a rosy glow to your face instantly.

Both beet powder and beet juice are rich in antioxidants. However, the concentration of these helpful compounds can vary depending on the processing methods. While both forms are good for you, the levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals might be slightly higher in beet juice due to less processing.

Storage and Expiration

If stored correctly in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight, your pickled beetroot should last for up to a year if left unopened. Once you've cracked open a jar, make sure to refrigerate and eat within approximately 8-12 weeks (though we'd be surprised if it's not gobbled up sooner!).

General Shelf Life of Relish

Unopened relish typically remains at peak quality for up to 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, relish should be stored in the refrigerator. In this condition, opened relish can retain its best quality for up to one year.

If you keep them whole and unwashed in the refrigerator, they can last for two months. After cooking the beets, they will only be good for a couple of days in an airtight container in the fridge. For long-term storage, consider pickling the beets.