Roasted Golden Beets

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are golden beets healthier than red beets?

  The only thing that separates golden beets from red beets is their color. Ounce for ounce, golden beets and red beets are virtually identical nutrition-wise. Both offer fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Thanks to the nitrates in beets, eating them has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke. Beets are also high in antioxidants called betalains. Red beets contain betalains called betacyanins, which give them their dark red and purple color, and yellow beets contain betalains called betaxanthins, which give them their deep golden hue. Betalains have been shown to help calm inflammation, which in turn, reduces the risk of chronic disease, including cancer and heart disease.

• Is this recipe vegan?

  Since we use honey in this recipe, it is not considered vegan. If you want to make this dish vegan, you could swap the honey for an equal amount of agave syrup or maple syrup—or leave the sweetener out. Just know that the flavor profile will change some.

• How do you prepare golden beets for roasting?

  When shopping for golden beets, look for ones that are firm to the touch, without cuts or dents in the skin. If the beet greens are still attached, look for leaves that are bright in color and crisp. Cut off the beet greens and reserve them for other recipes. 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. Trim off the taproot (the long, thin root hanging from the bottom of the beet), peel the beets with a vegetable peeler and cut them 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 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead.

• What can I serve with Roasted Golden Beets?

  Serve roasted golden beets as a side dish with roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, grilled steak or roasted pork. For a vegetarian meal, try topping the roasted beets with crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, and serve alongside pasta, risotto or baked potatoes.

• What do golden beets taste like?

  Golden beets have an earthy, sweet flavor that’s milder than red beets, which may taste bitter to some depending on the variety. Roasting is the perfect cooking method to enhance the natural sweetness of golden beets.