Step 1: Prepare the Beets
Start by scrubbing the beets thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt from the surface.
Trim the beet tops, leaving about 1 inch attached.
Keeping a small portion of the stem during cooking can help reduce excessive color loss. The National Center for Home Food Preservation also recommends leaving part of the stem and roots attached when preparing beets for preservation.
Place the prepared beets in a large pot and add enough water to completely cover them.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the beets are tender.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of your beets. A knife or fork should slide into the beet fairly easily when they are ready.
Step 2: Cool and Peel the Beets
Once the beets are tender, carefully remove them from the cooking water.
Allow them to cool until they are comfortable enough to handle.
Peel away the skins. For properly cooked beets, the skins should come away fairly easily.
Trim away the remaining tops and roots.
Then slice the peeled beets into even rounds or half-moon pieces, depending on the size of the beets and your preferred presentation.
Place the sliced beets in a clean bowl and set them aside while you prepare the pickling liquid.
Tip: Beets naturally release a strong red-purple pigment, so you may want to use a cutting board and utensils that are easy to clean.
Step 3: Make the Spiced Pickling Brine
In a small saucepan, combine:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Stir the mixture gently and bring it to a boil.
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat slightly and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
This short cooking time allows the spices to infuse the vinegar mixture with their warm, aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Beets and Brine
Place the sliced beets in a suitable heatproof bowl or container.
Carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over the beets.
Make sure the beets are well coated with the pickling liquid.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then cover the container and place it in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Refrigerate Before Serving
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