If you've been following the blog for a while now, you may already know that I would much rather embrace a little bit of sugar as an easy to digest carbohydrate than demonize it. However, I do like to acknowledge that while sugar is calorically rich, it is nutritionally empty. This beet juice simple syrup recipe changes that up by replacing the water in a traditionally simple syrup recipe with fresh beet juice, increasing the nutrient content significantly. It also serves as a great all-natural red food coloring!
Ingredients:
1.5 cups organic sugar
1 cup fresh beet juice
Process:
1) Chop fresh beets and run through a juicer or blend in a high-powered blender (like this) and then strain out the pulp using a mesh nut milk bag (like this).
2) In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and beet juice. Stir to combine.
3) Bring the sugar solution to a boil and then immediately remove pan from heat.
4) Let the simple syrup cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
5) Store the cooled syrup in a glass container in the fridge and enjoy. The applications for beet juice simple syrup are endless (stay tuned for more recipes)!
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Joni
This might be a silly question, but does it taste like beets? Or does the sugar mask the flavor? I absolutely can not stand the taste of beet juice, unfortunately.
Catherine
It tastes a little beet-y. However, if you want to use it as food coloring, a little will go a long way!
Joni
Thanks 🙂
Lauryn
Can't wait to try this...we have lots of beets!
Where do you store it after you make it and how long does it keep for?
Catherine
I store mine in the fridge. It should last at least a couple of weeks, and if you wanted it to last longer you can add small amount of vodka (maybe a tablespoon?) I personally use it as long as it tastes and looks OK.
Lorelei White
I have a food processor; do you think that would work to process the beets for juice? Also, how many beets does it normally take to get the 1c of beet juice?
Tara
I would like to second Lorelei's questions, and also ask: Could I use honey or coconut sugar? I have organic sugar that I use for my Kombucha, but I'd rather not use it for the simple syrup if I don't have to...I just got 2 pounds of organic beets and I'm all over your beet recipes! I want to have enough left to make kvass!
Catherine
I'm sure they would both work, I just prefer white sugar, since beet juice has a strong flavor already. Honey and coconut sugar have their own strong flavors, so not sure how it will jive. If you try it, let me know how it goes!
Pearl
I have heard that sugar beet syrup is good for coughs. If this is true, how would I use it (straight syrup or mixed with something)? Thanks for any information you can provide.
Di
I have neither a juicer or high powered blender, would an organic beet juice NOT made from concentrate like Lakewood be okay as a replacement?