What Does Beetroot Taste Like?

Are you wondering what beetroot tastes like? This vivid red-purple veggie looks intriguing, so it’s understandable that you might be curious about it.

If you have questions about beetroot, you’re in the right place. We’ll describe what it tastes like here and we’ll delve into a few other common questions about it, too.

What Does Beetroot Taste Like?

Plain beetroot is something that many people find unappealing. It has a deeply earthy taste with a ghostly trace of bitterness. The earthiness might put you off, but if you give it a chance, you’ll discover it also has some sweetness to it that helps temper its bitter flavors.

Pickled beetroot has a completely different taste. In addition to its low earthy and sweet flavor, it has a tanginess that significantly brightens its profile.

Read Also: Best Blenders for Beetroot Juice

Are Beets Supposed to Taste Like Dirt?

Beetroot has a naturally earthy flavor that some compare to dirt. So, yes, to some people, beetroot is supposed to taste like dirt. Like with the people who think cilantro tastes like soap, thinking beets taste like dirt has to do with your personal taste preferences.

The reason you might think beetroot tastes dirty is because of a compound found in its soil called geosmin. This compound is what produces that clean, earthy smell in soil after it rains, and some people are more sensitive to it than others.

If you’re one of those people who’s extra sensitive to the smell of geosmin, then you probably will be prone to thinking beetroot tastes like dirt, too.

How Do You Make Beetroot Taste Good?

Are you one of those people who thinks beets taste like dirt? The good news is that you can make them taste better. In fact, with the right recipes, you can even turn them into something that tastes quite good.

The first step is to make sure you carefully wash your beets before using them. This is common sense for any vegetable, but with beets, which have a tendency to absorb minerals from their soil, it’s particularly important.

One way to make your beets taste better is to pickle them. The taste of the vinegar brightens their flavor considerably, giving them a pleasing tangy zip.

You can also roast your beets to give them an appealing texture while preserving their sweetness. Slicing your beets and baking them at a low temperature is a way to make some healthy veggie chips that are delicious.

If you’re cooking them in other ways, consider combining them with sweet and “green” flavors. These types of flavors will round out the earthiness so it’s not overwhelming.

Did you know you can drink beet juice? If you’d like to try some, here is where to find beet juice in the grocery store. 

Can You Eat a Beetroot Raw?

Did you recently pick up some beets from your grocery store or your garden? If you’re feeling adventurous and want to nibble on your beetroot before cooking them, rest assured that it’s totally safe.

You can certainly eat your beetroot raw, but keep in mind that their earthy flavor will be at its strongest raw. Those who don’t like that flavor probably won’t enjoy raw beets.

Wrap Up

Beetroot doesn’t have to be something that tastes gross. With the right ingredients and recipes, you can turn these crimson veggies into something you’ll look forward to eating. If you’re not sure where to start, swing by our list of spices that go with beets that you can use to transform their flavor.