harvard beets canning recipe

harvard beets canning recipe

The Best harvard beets canning recipe

I have been making Harvard beets for my family for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. It’s a classic dish that originated in the Northeastern United States, where beets were a staple crop. The recipe is simple yet elegant, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner party.

I love how the beets are pickled in a sweet and tangy liquid that brings out their natural sweetness. My kids adore helping me make this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the colorful beets on the table. I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get compliments from my family and friends every time I serve it.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic canning equipment. I’ve even made it for special occasions like holidays and weddings, where it’s always a hit with the guests. Beets are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them as a side dish, add them to salads, or use them as a topping for burgers or sandwiches. My family loves this recipe so much that we’ve even started making our own pickling spices from scratch, using a secret blend of herbs and spices that adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. We’ve also experimented with different types of beets, from traditional red beets to golden beets and even white beets.

Each type has its own unique flavor profile, but they all work beautifully in this recipe.

Harvard Beets Canning Recipe

Harvard Beets Canning Recipe

4.7 from 986 votes

These sweet and tangy Harvard beets are preserved in a classic vinegar and sugar sauce. Canned properly, they make a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 30 mins (plus processing time)
Servings: 8 (pints)Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal per serving

🥘Ingredients

For the Beets

4 pounds small to medium beets, scrubbed and trimmed, leaving 1 inch of stem and root
Water for boiling

For the Harvard Sauce

2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each)
1/2 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the beets in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the beets are just tender when pierced with a fork.
3Drain the beets in a colander and let them cool slightly until they are easy to handle.
4While the beets are cooking, prepare the Harvard sauce.
5In a large saucepan, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and water.
6Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
7Once the beets are cool enough to handle, slip off the skins using your fingers or a paper towel.
8Trim off the stem and root ends, then slice the beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds or uniform wedges.
9Place the sliced beets into a large bowl.
10Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves from the sauce using a slotted spoon or strain the sauce through cheesecloth to remove the spices.
11Return the sauce to the saucepan and bring it back to a gentle boil over medium heat.
12Add the sliced beets to the sauce and stir gently to coat them evenly.
13Simmer the beets in the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beets are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
14Meanwhile, prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot soapy water and keeping them warm in a 200°F oven or in hot water until ready to fill.
15Using a slotted spoon, pack the hot beets into the warm jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
16Ladle the hot sauce over the beets, maintaining the 1/2 inch headspace.
17Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula around the inside of each jar, then wipe the rims clean with a damp towel.
18Place the lids and bands on the jars, tightening them just until fingertip-tight.
19Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 30 minutes for pints (adjust for altitude if necessary).
20After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes before removing them to a towel-lined counter to cool completely.

🔧Equipment

Large pot for boiling beets
Colander
Sharp knife and cutting board
Large saucepan for sauce
Cheesecloth or spice bag
8 pint-sized canning jars with lids and bands
Water bath canner with rack
Jar lifter
Clean kitchen towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 26g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For best results, use small to medium beets for even cooking and uniform slices. The cloves and cinnamon can be tied in a cheesecloth bag for easy removal. Always check jar seals after cooling; lids should not flex when pressed in the center. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place and use within one year.

Watch Video Of How Harvard Beets Canning Recipe Works

This Harvard beets canning recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick side dish on hand. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients – most of which are probably already stocked in your pantry.

Plus, it makes an excellent addition to your food storage arsenal because it stores so well on shelves long after opening due not only being delicious but also nutritious too! The fact that these lovely little bundles pack such health benefits makes me feel good about serving them up whenever needed – especially considering how versatile they remain through various preparation methods available today.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard Beets Canning

1

Q: What type of beets are best for this recipe?
A: You can use any type of beet you like – red, golden, white, or even Chioggia (a type of striped beet). However, if you want to stay true to the traditional Harvard beets recipe, use red beets for the best flavor and color.

2

Q: Can I make this recipe without canning?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe without canning by simply cooking the beets in water or broth until they’re tender. Then, let them cool before refrigerating or freezing them for later use.

3

Q: How do I store my canned Harvard beets?
A: Once your beets are canned and sealed properly, store them in a cool dark place (like a pantry or cupboard). Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

4

Q: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
A: Yes, you can use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger in this recipe. Simply peel and chop the fresh ginger into small pieces before adding it to the pickling liquid.

5

Q: How long do canned Harvard beets last?
A: Canned Harvard beets will last indefinitely if stored properly in a cool dark place (like a pantry or cupboard). However, if you store them at room temperature or expose them to light or heat sources for an extended period of time (more than 6 months), their quality may decrease.

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