canning beets
 

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

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.

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.

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

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......

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.

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

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.

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

If you have chickens they are usually mad for the tops :)