sdeaaz

We have an abundance of beets. I would like to can them, but have gotten rid of my pressure canner. I don't want to make them all into pickled beets... I would like to just can them plain. Can I do that in a water bath. If I cook them completely first... sterilize my jars and lids and then water bath them... is that safe... Everything I read says pressure can... suggestions???
Thanks

sassy granny

Since the beets are fully cooked before putting in the jars , you would need to add a tsp. of salt to a quart and fill with the juice and water from the beets and put the jars in a water bath and cook for about 15 minutes or so to make them seal. Check with a canning book and get the right amount of time. It should work the same as for tomato juice or pickled beets that is fully cooked before putting into the jars.

Treasureit

I don't know the answer, but I would love some fresh beets! Not grocery fresh...garden fresh...make my mouth water!

Hope you can figure it out.

AngeliaNR

Beets (not pickled) are low acid--they will need pressure, not just a water bath.

http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can_04/beets.html

They can be frozen, but I don't know what the resultant texture would be.

http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/beet.html

Cactus Stitchin

Frozen beets are wonderful. They taste like fresh beets when thawed and eaten; I cannot remember if you blanch to remove the skins or not....... been too long for that part......

AngeliaNR

Thanks--I'll have to try that. My husband always thought he hated beets until he tried fresh ones. He planted lots this year! I have always canned them, but might try freezing. We use them in the winter when my husband makes borscht.

sdeaaz

thanks to all. Not the answer I wanted lol... but guess I need a pressure canner.

SewSassy

Beets that are frozen are great. I bake the beets on a cookie sheet covering them with aluminum foil until the beets are tender. Cool, peel, and slice them. And they are ready to put in vacuum bags for the freezer. I can't tell the difference between frozen or canned ones.

francie yuhas

It's not safe to water bath can beets....unless you put a lot of acid....botulism is not habit- forming.

KalamaQuilts

If you have chickens they are usually mad for the tops