Magpie Recipe ∶ Raw Fermented Beets

The health benefits of fermented foods are well established, and they're tasty to boot! If you're lucky enough to have a bumper crop of beets, try this easy recipe. Once beets are fermented, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beets, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cloves cloves garlic, peeled
• 6 peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups water, boiled and cooled
• 1 tablespoon salt

Cooking Directions

1. Distribute beet chunks between two jars with lids. Add 2 cloves garlic, 3 peppercorns, and 1 bay leaf to each jar.
2. Combine water and salt in a bowl to make the brine; stir until salt is completely dissolved. Pour enough brine into the jars to completely cover the beets.
3. Screw on lids and let jars sit at room temperature until foam starts to appear on top, about 1 week. Transfer jars to a cool place (50 degrees F, 10 degrees C) for 2 to 3 days after foam appears. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

• calories53.1
• carbohydrateContent11.9 g
• fatContent0.2 g
• fiberContent3.4 g
• proteinContent2 g
• sodiumContent963.8 mg
• sugarContent7.7 g