Why peel beets for some recipes but not all (like in a borscht)?

Question

Discover why you might peel beets for a salad but not for borscht. Learn how the skin can add earthy flavor and color to soups and roasts.

Answer 1

Whether or not to peel beets depends on the recipe and desired texture. Peeling beets before cooking results in a smoother texture and prevents the color from bleeding, while leaving the skin on can add earthiness and nutrients, especially in dishes like borscht where a rustic texture is acceptable.

Detailed Explanation:

The decision to peel beets before cooking is largely based on the recipe's requirements and the cook's preference for texture and color. Here's a breakdown:

1. Texture: Peeling beets before cooking removes the outer skin, which can sometimes be tough or bitter, especially in older beets. This results in a smoother, more uniform texture in the final dish. For recipes where a refined texture is desired, such as beet salads or purees, peeling is recommended.

2. Color Bleeding: Beets are notorious for their vibrant color, which can bleed into other ingredients during cooking. Peeling the beets before cooking can help minimize this bleeding, especially if you want to maintain distinct colors in a mixed dish.

3. Nutrient Retention: Leaving the skin on during cooking helps retain more nutrients within the beet. The skin acts as a barrier, preventing some of the nutrients from leaching into the cooking water. However, the difference in nutrient retention is often minimal.

4. Rustic Dishes: In dishes like borscht, a traditional Eastern European soup, the rustic texture and earthy flavor of unpeeled beets are often desired. The skin adds a slightly different dimension to the flavor profile and contributes to the overall hearty feel of the soup. The color bleeding is also less of a concern in borscht, as the entire soup is typically a deep red color.

5. Ease of Peeling: It's often easier to peel beets *after* they've been cooked. The skin slips off more readily once the beet has softened. If you're unsure whether to peel, you can always cook them with the skin on and then peel them before adding them to the final dish.

Pro Tip:

If you choose to cook beets with the skin on, scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Even if you plan to peel them after cooking, scrubbing beforehand makes the process cleaner and easier.