Do I Need to Peel Beets if They’re Sliced Thin?

No, you don’t need to peel beets if they are sliced thin. The skin is edible and contains nutrients. However, if the skin is tough or if you prefer the taste and texture of peeled beets, you can peel them before slicing. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.

Why Peel Beets?

Though the peel is often tough and unpleasant to eat, peeling beets beforehand is beneficial for several reasons. First, peeling the beet skin before cooking prevents the purple-red juice from bleeding into the pan, keeping your dish looking cleaner and more appealing. Second, peeling raw beets is challenging, but after cooking, the skin slips off easily, making the process much simpler.

Proper Peeling and Cooking Techniques

If you choose to peel your beets, make sure to wear latex or food service gloves as the beets can stain your hands. The peel is not inedible. If you have relatively young and fresh beets, simply scrubbing the dirt off them is sufficient. However, if the beets are older and have thicker skins, consider peeling them with a suitable peeler for a neater result.

Cooking Techniques

Beet flesh is sensitive to cooking and the skin can withstand more heat. Cooking unpeeled beets and then allowing them to cool can sometimes lead to difficult-to-remove strings of beet skin in your dish. This can be undesirable. However, cooking the roots whole and then peeling them after is a more straightforward and effective method. The peels slip off easily once the beets are cooked, and you end up with a more nutritious dish as the skin contains fiber and other useful nutrients.

When It’s Okay to Enjoy Beets Unpeeled

While peeling beets is often preferred, enjoying them with the skin intact can provide a different culinary experience. Rinse the beets before slicing them, and even for somewhat older beets, the skin might not be an issue if the beets are sliced thinly. Nonetheless, many people opt to peel beets because the skin can be rough and slightly bitter, and it doesn’t pair well with the silky soft slices.