With their deep reddish-purple hue, beets are a vegetable that immediately grabs your attention. But many people wonder, what exactly does a beet taste like? Describing the flavor of a beet comes down to a few key characteristics.
Sweet and Earthy
The most commonly used words to describe the taste of beets are “sweet” and “earthy.” When cooked properly, beets have a rich, sweet flavor that is similar to carrots or sweet potatoes, but far more intense. The earthy taste of beets comes from a compound called geosmin which gives them a dirt-like, mineral-rich flavor. Beets are packed with natural sugars that caramelize when roasted or boiled to bring out their inherent sweetness. Their sweet, earthy taste is what makes beets such a unique vegetable.
Nutty and Woodsy
In addition to sweetness and earthiness, some people detect nutty or woodsy notes when eating beets. This comes from the subtle botanical flavors of the beet greens attached to the bulb. The leaves have an aroma reminiscent of woody bark and a slight nuttiness similar to spinach or chard. This contributes more depth and complexity to the overall taste of a beet.
Minerally and Metallic
Due to their high natural mineral content, some beets also have a faint minerally, metallic taste. Compounds like iron, magnesium and phosphorous can impart a subtle metallic flavor, especially in certain soil conditions where these minerals are more prevalent. The earthy geosmin also has dirt-like undertones that can come across as slightly minerally or metallic for some people.
Vibrant and Rich
When describing the taste of beets, words like “vibrant,” “rich,” and “intense” are applicable. The pigments that give beets their reddish hue also imbue them with a strong, concentrated flavor. They are packed with antioxidants and have a dense texture that translates to a bold eating experience. Whether roasted, boiled, pickled or raw, beets have a lively, almost electric taste.
Taste Differences by Color
Interestingly, the color of a beet affects its flavor. Golden beets have an earthy but mellower, sweeter flavor compared to bold red beets. Chioggia striped beets are milder with a subtle nuttiness. White beets taste the least earthy with a higher sugar content. In general, though, all beets contain a blend of sweet, earthy and woody notes that make them unique.
Next time you enjoy some roasted beets or pickled beets, pay attention to the complex blend of flavors. Understanding what beets taste like helps you better appreciate this colorful root vegetable. Their sweet, earthy flavor profile pairs well with cheeses, nuts, greens and rich meats. Add beets to salads, soups, juices and entrees to liven up dishes with their distinctive taste.
