Step-by-Step Guide for Canning Roasted Beets

Canning roasted beets begins by washing, skinning, and roasting the beets before placing them in sanitized canning jars. Process roasted beets in a pressure canner for 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the canning jars and your elevation.

Can Roasted Beets Be Canned?

Canning roasted beets is a great way to preserve this nutritious and delicious root vegetable for later use. Whether you’re a homesteader or a first-time canner, canning beets is a simple process.

Roasting fresh beets before canning them enhances their flavor and is recommended by the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Always use a tested beet recipe for cooked beets when canning roasted beets.

Steps for Roasting Beets and Canning Roasted Beets

Pressure canning is a safe way to preserve roasted beets for long-term storage.

Here is a step-by-step guide for canning roasted beets:

1. Begin by rinsing and peeling fresh beets. Coat them lightly in olive oil and then roast them. They may be roasted whole or cut into smaller pieces.
2. Prep the canning jars and lids by washing them in hot, soapy water. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes.
3. In a separate pot, prepare a brine solution by mixing hot water and either cider vinegar or white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Ensure the chosen vinegar has at least 5% acidity. Add canning salt and sugar to the brine, if desired.
4. Pack the roasted beets into the sterilized jars, leaving a one-inch headspace at the top.
5. Use a ladle to pour the brine solution over the beets, leaving ½ inch of headspace.
6. Use a sterilized bubble remover tool to remove air bubbles from the jars.
7. Wipe the jar rims with a damp, clean cloth to remove any residue.
8. Place new canning lids and rings on the jars, tightening the rings until they are snug but not overly tight.
9. Place the jars in a prepared pressure canner, following the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
10. Process the jars at the recommended pressure per your altitude and size of the jar:

Recommended process time for roasted beets in a dial-gauge pressure canner:

Altitude (ft)	0 – 2,000	2,001 – 4,000	4,001 – 6,000	6,001 – 8,000
Pints (30 mins)	11 lbs	12 lbs	13 lbs	14 lbs
Quarts (35 mins)	11 lbs	12 lbs	13 lbs	14 lbs

Recommended process time for roasted beets in a weighted-gauge pressure canner:

Altitude (ft)	0 – 1,000	1,001 ft +
Pint jars (30 mins)	10 lbs	15 lbs
Quart jars (35 mins)	10 lbs	15 lbs

11. Process pints for 30 minutes and quarts for 35 minutes.
12. Once the processing time is complete, switch off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Wait for the canner to cool down and the pressure to reach zero before opening the lid.
13. Use a jar lifter to transfer the hot jars to a cushioned countertop to cool for 12-24 hours.
14. Once the jars have cooled completely, remove the screw bands from the jars.
15. Test the seals by pressing down on the center of the lids. The jars are properly sealed if the lids do not pop back up.
16. Label and store the canned beets in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Do You Peel Beets Before Canning Them?

Yes, it is recommended to peel beets before canning them. The skin of beets can be tough and fibrous, making them difficult to chew and digest.

The skin can also harbor dirt and bacteria that causes botulism. After washing the beets, use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to peel the beets.

Should Roasted Beets Be Cooked in a Water Bath or Pressure Canned?

Roasted beets should be cooked in a pressure canner. Using an atmospheric steam canner or boiling water bath canner is not an effective way to can beets because the temperature is not high enough for full heat penetration.

Pickled beets are required for using a water bath canner because pickling the beets acidifies them, which inhibits harmful bacteria.

What are the Best Beets for Canning?

There are many varieties of beets, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of flavor, color, and texture. Here are the best beets for canning:

1. The Detroit Dark Red is one of the most popular varieties for canning or roasting because of its uniform size and shape, tender texture, and deep red color.
2. The Crosby Egyptian is known for its sweet, tender flesh and consistent size and shape, making it a good choice for canning.
3. The Early Wonder Tall Top is often used for canning because of its early maturity and tender, flavorful roots.
4. The Lutz Green Leaf is renowned for its sweet, tender flesh and roots and large size, making it a good choice for canning whole beets.

What are the Most Popular Beets for Roasting?

Most varieties of beets are suitable for roasting. Here are some of the most popular garden varieties of beets that may be roasted and used for canning:

1. Red beets are the most common variety. They have a deep red color and a sweet, earthy flavor.
2. Golden beets have a golden-yellow color and a milder, sweeter taste than red beets.
3. Chioggia beets, also called candy cane beets, have a distinctive pink and white striped flesh with a sweet, mild flavor.
4. White beets have white or cream-colored flesh and a milder, sweeter flavor than red beets.
5. Baby beets are small, young beets harvested before they reach full size and are often sold in bunches with the greens still attached.
6. Cylindra beets have a long, cylindrical shape and are often used for slicing and pickling.

How Long Does it Take to Can Roasted Beets?

The processing time for pressure canning roasted beets takes a total time of around 2 hours, including 40 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes of roasting time, and 30-35 minutes of canning time.

It’s important to note that these times are only estimates, and the actual time needed may vary based on factors such as the size of the beets, the efficiency of your equipment, and the canning recipe chosen.

Tips for Storing Roasted Canned Beets

Here are some tips on how to keep roasted canned beets:

1. The ideal storage temperature for canned beets is between 50°F and 70°F.
2. Store canned beets in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard to protect them from light exposure.
3. Canned beets should be stored in a dry environment, as high humidity can cause the cans to rust or corrode.
4. Air can cause canned beets to oxidize and spoil over time, so always store canned beets in airtight containers.

What is the Shelf Life of Roasted Canned Beets?

Canned roasted beets have a shelf life of up to a year. The National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP), part of the USDA, recommends that canned foods be used within one year for the best quality and safety.