I’ll be honest—I wasn’t always a fan of beets. I never understood why everyone seemed so enthusiastic about the deep ruby-red pickled beets I saw in my grandmother’s cupboard as a child. They looked gorgeous, but I constantly sought for something else.
Last weekend, everything changed.
For months, a close family friend had been advising me to try canning pickled beets at home rather than purchasing them from the grocery store. The handmade version, she said, was fresher and sweeter than the store-bought variety. I gave in after hearing her gush about them for so long.
I went to our neighbourhood farmers’ market and picked up a basket of fresh beets..
Home-Canned Pickled Beets (Anti-Inflammatory Recipe)
Home-Canned Pickled Beets: A Sweet, Tangy, and Anti-Inflammatory Classic
If you’re looking for a delicious way to preserve fresh garden vegetables while enjoying their natural health benefits, Home-Canned Pickled Beets are an excellent choice. Rich in antioxidants, betalains, fiber, potassium, and folate, beets are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help support heart health, healthy blood pressure, and improved circulation.
This traditional pickled beet recipe combines tender cooked beets with a flavorful sweet-and-tangy vinegar brine infused with warming spices. Whether served as a healthy side dish, salad topping, or holiday favorite, these homemade pickled beets are easy to prepare and can last for months when properly canned.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
- Easy water-bath canning recipe
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great way to preserve fresh garden beets
- Sweet, tangy, and flavorful
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian
- Naturally low in fat
Ingredients
For the Beets
- 4 pounds fresh beets
- Water for boiling
Pickling Brine
- 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1 cup water
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- Optional: 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Optional: 2 bay leaves
Equipment
- 4–5 pint-sized canning jars
- New lids and rings
- Large stockpot
- Water-bath canner
- Jar lifter
- Funnel
- Bubble remover or plastic spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beets
Wash beets thoroughly but leave about 2 inches of stems attached.
Place in a large pot.
Cover with water.
Boil for 30–45 minutes until fork tender.
Drain and cool.
Slip off the skins.
Trim stems and roots.
Slice or quarter the beets.
Step 2: Sterilize the Jars
Wash jars in hot, soapy water.
Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
Prepare lids according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Make the Pickling Brine
In a saucepan combine:
- Vinegar
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Allspice
- Optional spices
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves if desired.
Step 4: Fill the Jars
Pack hot beets into hot jars.
Leave ½-inch headspace.
Pour hot brine over beets.
Maintain ½-inch headspace.
Remove air bubbles.
Wipe jar rims clean.
Apply lids and rings until fingertip tight.
Step 5: Process
Place jars into boiling water-bath canner.
Process:
- Pint jars: 30 minutes
- Quart jars: 35 minutes
(Adjust for altitude if necessary.)
Remove jars.
Cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
Check seals.
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade pickled beets pair beautifully with:
- Green salads
- Grilled chicken
- Roast beef
- Turkey dinners
- Sandwiches
- Charcuterie boards
- Goat cheese salads
- Grain bowls
- Cottage cheese
- Avocado toast
- Roasted vegetables
Recipe Variations
Honey Pickled Beets
Replace half the sugar with raw honey.
Spicy Pickled Beets
Add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Jalapeño slices
Garlic Pickled Beets
Add 2 garlic cloves to each jar.
Maple Pickled Beets
Replace sugar with pure maple syrup.
Apple Cider Pickled Beets
Substitute apple cider vinegar for a richer flavor.
Herb Pickled Beets
Add:
- Fresh thyme
- Dill
- Rosemary
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Beets contain powerful compounds that may support overall wellness.
Betalains
Natural pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dietary Nitrates
May improve blood flow and support heart health.
Fiber
Supports digestive health and gut bacteria.
Potassium
Helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Folate
Supports healthy cell growth.
Vitamin C
Supports immune health.
Storage
Pantry
Properly canned jars:
12–18 months
Refrigerator
Once opened:
Keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Makes approximately 10 servings.
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Folate: 20% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes. It creates a slightly sweeter, fruitier flavor while maintaining safe acidity if it is 5% acidity.
How long should I wait before eating?
For the best flavor, allow the beets to pickle for at least 48 hours. They continue improving over 1–2 weeks.
Do pickled beets need refrigeration?
Unopened, properly canned jars do not. After opening, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing sugar changes the flavor. For tested canning recipes, keep the vinegar concentration unchanged for safety.
Are pickled beets healthy?
Yes. They provide fiber, antioxidants, folate, potassium, and plant compounds linked to reduced inflammation. They can be part of a balanced diet, though they do contain added sugar and sodium.
Why are my beets soft?
Overcooking before canning or processing too long can make them softer than desired.
Pro Tips
- Choose small to medium-sized beets for the best texture.
- Wear gloves when peeling to prevent staining.
- Leave headspace for proper sealing.
- Use only vinegar with 5% acidity for safe canning.
- Allow jars to cool naturally—do not retighten the bands while cooling.
- Let the beets marinate for several days before serving for deeper flavor.
Final Thoughts
Home-Canned Pickled Beets are a timeless pantry staple that combines old-fashioned flavor with modern health benefits. Their naturally vibrant color, sweet-and-tangy taste, and impressive nutritional profile make them an excellent addition to healthy meal plans. Whether you’re preserving a garden harvest, stocking your pantry, or searching for an anti-inflammatory recipe, these homemade pickled beets offer a delicious and practical option that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
