Roasted Golden Beets

nutrition notes

Are golden beets healthier than red beets?

The only thing that distinguishes golden beets from red beets is their color. Ounce for ounce, golden beets and red beets are virtually identical nutritionally. Both provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Thanks to the nitrates in beets, eating beets has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Beets are also rich in antioxidants called betalains. Red beets contain betalains called betacyanins, which give them their deep red and purple colors, and yellow beets contain betalains, called betaxanthins, which give them their deep golden color. Betalains help reduce inflammation, which has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Is this recipe vegan?

This recipe uses honey, so it is not vegan. If you want to make this dish vegan, you can replace the honey with an equal amount of agave or maple syrup, or even omit the sweetener. Just know that the flavor profile will change slightly.

Tips from the test kitchen

How do you prepare golden beets for roasting?

When buying golden beets, look for ones that are firm to the touch, with no cuts or dents in the skin. If your beets still have some green on them, look for leaves that are bright in color and crisp. Trim the beet leaves and reserve them for another recipe. Gently scrub the beets with a vegetable brush under cold water to remove dirt and debris. Dry the beets with a towel to remove excess moisture. Cut off the taproot (the long thin root hanging down from the bottom of the beet), peel the beet with a peeler, and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, if you don't have fresh thyme on hand, you can use a teaspoon of dried thyme instead.

What can you serve with roasted golden beets?

Serve roasted golden beets as an accompaniment to roast chicken, pan-seared salmon, grilled steak, or roast pork. For a vegetarian meal, top roasted beets with crumbled goat or blue cheese, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, and serve with pasta, risotto, or baked potatoes.

FAQ

What does golden beet taste like?

Golden beets have an earthy, sweet flavor that is milder than red beets, and some people find them bitter depending on the variety. Roasting is a great cooking method to enhance golden beets' natural sweetness.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, MS, Jan Valdez