Did you know that consuming fresh beetroot juice is claimed to lower blood pressure and improve circulation? However, because beets are actually classified as very hard vegetables, you need to first process them with a juicer or blender to get the juices. Also, understand that beetroot juice has a very thick consistency, so it is best to dilute it with other fruit juices for a more delicious taste.
Ingredients
Classic Beet Juice
For: 1 serving
- 4 small beets OR 2 large beets
- 60 ml water (optional)
Sweet and Sour Beet Juice
For: 1 serving
- 1 large beet
- 1 large apple
- 2, 5 cm fresh ginger
- 3 carrots
- 60 ml unsalted apple juice (optional)
Tropical Beet Juice
For: 1 serving
- 1 small beet
- 1/2 seedless cucumber
- 1/4 pineapple
- 60 ml pineapple juice (optional)
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing Beets
Step 1. Cut off the green end of the beet with a sharp knife
Also cut the bottom end of the beet with a thickness of about 6 mm.
Technically, the green end of the fruit can also be processed into juice, although it is not commonly done. If you want to include the part, rinse it under running water first and cut it into pieces 5 cm thick or smaller. Then, process the green part of the fruit along with the flesh
Step 2. Clean the beets
Rinse the beets under cold running water. While rinsing, rub the surface of the fruit to wash away any stubborn dirt and grime that is difficult to clean by hand.
- Beetroot contains various types of nutrients. Therefore, you do not need to cut or peel skin that is not too thick or hard.
- On the other hand, if the skin of the fruit looks very hard or dirty, you can cut it using a vegetable peeler or fruit knife before moving on to the next step.
Step 3. Cut the beets into quarters
First of all, cut the beet in half. After that, split each again to form four pieces of fruit of the same size. You can cut the beets even smaller if you use a low power juicer.
If the size of the bit is too large, the motor drive of the tool may burn out
Part 2 of 4: Using Juicers
Step 1. Prepare a container for juice and fruit pulp
Place the jug under the juicer funnel and place the pulp container in the bottom of the juicer (if you can). Read the user manual for the tool to know exactly how to install it.
- If you're using a juicer that doesn't have its own holder, simply place a clean bowl or glass under the funnel.
- If your juicer doesn't have a strainer, place a small strainer at the top of the juicing cup or jug.
- If your juicer has a fruit or vegetable pusher, wash it first with dish soap.
Step 2. Put the fruit pieces into the juicer
Insert 1 piece of beetroot, use a pusher to get the fruit into the machine. Do not add any more fruit pieces until the juice and pulp are out of the appliance. That way, the juicer won't get clogged.
Beets are a hard fruit. So, it may take some time to process. Do not force the pieces of fruit in too fast or too rough because it can burn the juicer motor
Step 3. Pour the collected beet juice into a serving glass
Enjoy this juice at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes in the fridge first if you like. Beetroot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days.
For a fresher taste, enjoy beetroot juice on the same day
Part 3 of 4: Using a Blender/ Food Processor
Step 1. Place 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water and 4 pieces of beetroot in a blender
Place the beetroot pieces and water in a high-power blender. You may need to cut the beets even smaller according to the power and size of the tool you are using.
Beets are a hard fruit. So, most blenders may find it difficult to smooth it out. Adding a little water will help the blender blades make it easier to cut early in the process
Step 2. Puree the beets with the water on high speed
Puree the beets and water on high speed until completely smooth. Even if the pulp still remains, make sure that all the beets are smooth without too big a lump.
- If you want to add spices, such as fresh mint leaves, do so at the end of the blending process.
- Dip a fork into the beet mixture to make sure all the beet pieces are smoothed out. If it's not yet smooth, blend it again for another 30 seconds then check again.
Step 3. Cover the surface of the bowl with a tofu or cheese filter cloth
Prepare a 60 cm long tofu or cheese filter cloth. Stack two sheets of cloth, then fold them in half to form four layers of sieves. Place the filter cloth on the surface of the bowl.
- If you don't have cheesecloth, you can also use a fine wire sieve placed over a large bowl.
- The beetroot juice will stain for 1-2 days. So, wear food-grade plastic or rubber gloves if you don't want your hands to turn pink.
Step 4. Pour the contents of the blender onto the cheese cloth
Slowly pour the beetroot mixture into the center of the cheesecloth. Pour slowly so that the fruit pulp collects in the middle. Place the strainer over the rim of the bowl to retain the cheesecloth if necessary.
Use a spoon to scrape all the pulp out of the blender. Don't use your hands
Step 5. Squeeze the beetroot juice through the cheese cloth
Gather the edges of the cheesecloth then twist the ends and squeeze to release the beet juice into the bowl.
If you're using a wire sieve, just use a rubber spatula to press down on the pulp and get the beet juice out as much as possible
Step 6. Enjoy the beet juice immediately or chill in the fridge
Fruit pulp and pour beet juice into a serving glass. Enjoy or drink immediately after cooling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
You can store beet juice in an airtight container or bottle for up to 2 days. However, it tastes better when it's fresh
Part 4 of 4: Making Assorted Beetroot Juices
Step 1. Make a fresh and delicious juice by adding ginger, apple and carrot
Ginger has a slightly spicy taste. So, use according to your taste, even 2 cm of ginger has a very strong taste! Also add some fresh basil leaves to create a sweeter and fresher taste.
- Peel the apples and remove the seeds, then cut them into 4 pieces before putting them in the juicer.
- Peel the carrots then wash and cut them into 5 cm lengths before putting them in the juicer.
Step 2. Add pineapple and cucumber for a tropical flavour
Place half a whole cucumber, 1 cup (250 ml) of pineapple chunks, and beetroot pieces in the juicer before adding 1/4 cup (about 60 ml) of pineapple juice. You can drink the juice right away or chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Try adding some fresh mint leaves for a fresher taste.
- You can also replace 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pineapple juice with coconut water if you prefer a (less sweet) coconut flavor.
Step 3. Make pink lemonade by adding white wine and lemon juice
Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) of lemon juice, 2 cups (500 ml) of 100% white wine, and 3 cups (750 ml) of water for each serving of sweet and refreshing beetroot juice.
Serve with fresh berries in the bottom of the glass for a sweeter taste
Step 4. Add beetroot juice to a nutritious smoothie
Use a blender to make an antioxidant-rich smoothie using half an avocado, 3/4 cup (180 ml) frozen blueberries, and 1 cup (250 ml) spinach, and 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk. Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) of fresh beet juice at the end of the process.
Add 1 tablespoon (3 tsp.) of chia seeds for healthy omega 3 fatty acids
Step 5. Make a refreshing drink of watermelon, lemon, and beetroot
Watermelon and lemon are the perfect complement to beetroot juice because they make it both sweeter and fresher. First, make juice from 2 medium beets, 3-4 cups (750 ml to 1 liter) seedless watermelon chunks, then add a squeeze of 1/2 lemon just before drinking.
- This juice is best served cold. So, chill the juice first in the fridge for 30 minutes or add ice cubes.
- Add about 40 ml of tequila (blanco) or vodka to make the perfect cocktail.
Step 6. Mix beetroot juice, ginger beer, and tequila to make a refreshing cocktail
Use 30 ml of beetroot juice, 120 ml of ginger beer and a squeeze of 1/2 fresh lime, and 40 ml of tequila blanco. After making the beetroot juice, simply add all the other ingredients to the shaker along with 1 cup (250 ml) of ice cubes then shake.
- Place a lime wedge on the rim of a serving glass for a prettier look.
- Use mezcal in place of tequila for a sweeter and stronger drink.