Fermented Beets are one of my favorite ferments. And in my life some of my greatest joys are fermenting and making sourdough. I don’t know if I should eat it much but I enjoy and don’t see the halm in moderation.
Where this recipe is concerned, it is one of the easiest recipes you will ever make. It literally only takes two ingredients! You can add ½ teaspoon of salt but it is not necessary. The reason I don’t think you need salt is that there is a lot of natural sugar already in Beets. Though where sugar is concerned, you do not want to have fermented Beets past 3 weeks as they can become more alcoholic. This happens a lot with fruit ferments for the same reason.
Beets are a powerhouse; some nutrients to boast are: vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. And these nutrients are even more available with fermenting them. Completely raw, they are not easy to digest, so it is best to cook or ferment them.
And don’t throw out the liquid that the beets ferment in as it is “Beet Kvass” which is a nutrient dense beverage that is great for your liver. Beet kvass originates from Russia where it is consumed regularly, among other things such as “kvass and Kombucha” which is mentioned in WAPF.
Fermented food and beverages are really good for this time of year when traditionally many fresh food sources became more scarce. And ferments are called the “Super raw foods” as the fermentation process allows for easier digestion yet the food itself has never been cooked.
Fermented Beets
3 to 4 Medium Beets
Filtered Water
1.Cut Beets into slices* or cubes.
2. Place cubes or slices in clean quart size jars.
3. Cover with filtered water to the lip of the jar and place a lid on top.
4. Place jars in a casserole dish to catch any juices that bubble out.
5. Leave to ferment for 5 to 14 days. Scoop froth that comes to the top once a day with a clean spoon and seal once again.
Notes:
*In New Zealand sliced Beets are featured on our “Kiwi Burger”. It’s not a great food combination but it’s pretty tasty. So yeah slices are good for sandwiches.
For more fermented foods check out these recipes.