Q: Our CSA provides us with a lot of beets, but every time I prepare them (whether roasted or raw), my fiancé and I both experience, um, digestive problems if we eat more than one beet between the two of us. Since we're getting about 3-4 beets per week, any tips on how to up our consumption?
Sent by Amy
Editor: The only thing I can think of suggesting is to make sure you're eating the beets as part of a larger meal. I've found that sometimes eating a good variety of foods can help mitigate the digestive issues from one ingredient.
Readers, what are your suggestions?
Related: How to Roast Beets in the Oven
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Not sure what the digestive issue is, but eating red beets will always turn your bathroom output red - there's no way around that that I've heard of. If that's the only issue, just make the mental note you've eaten beets so the next day you don't freak out.
Beets are high sugar and high fiber, both of which can lead to, *cough* issues. I prefer to boil rather than roast and have had no problems. You could also pickle them: boil to cook, then peel, slice, put them in a container (I've used both jars and tupperware-type things) and cover with the vinegar of your choice. Since the container isn't a sterile seal, keep them in the fridge.
Beeturia? Probably not a big deal. sorry to have to ask for more detail, but I have never heard of beets upsetting stomachs.
Do you cook them well? Peel the skin off after cooking? I am fond of beets and sometimes roast them, but you can certainly boil or steam. Tried borscht? Actually pretty good for summer soup as it works well chilled. You can also cook the greens if your co-op sends those along, too.
I'd be tempted to google for beet recipes.
Pickle them! I love pickled beets - they're delicious in salads or just straight from the jar. I like to roast mine by wrapping them in foil and putting them in the crockpot for 4 hours.
You may be sensitive to FODMAPs, and beets are a high-FODMAP food.
Google is your friend: and so is the Livestrong site where I have recently found no end of helpful info. Including this page talking about stomach issues and beets, quite specifically. Hope it helps.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/496161-the-effects-of-beets-on-bowels/
Thanks everyone! We always roast them and either eat them as a side with other roasted vegetables, or cool them and slice them into salads. Most typically recently, we've having them in a salad with zucchini and oranges, but even one beet split between us in a salad with an entree has caused issues. I will try boiling for salads and see if that helps - I think it will since roasting must increase the sugar.
Chinadoll: I'm just realizing how easy pickling is! I know, I know, but I grew up believing that all pickles were slimy because of a bad childhood experience. I've made garlic-dill fridge pickles from a recipe I found here, so I think next on the list is something like you suggested
Gudnis: I've been wary of trying borscht because of the issues we've had eating them in large consumption. (Beeturia - ha! That's a good way to describe it. Nothing medically concerning, just...uncomfortable)
Nionon: I can't believe I didn't find that Livestrong site myself! Thank you!
Interesting. Never heard of beets causing problems. I do find roasting beets to be overrated because they often take on a burnt flavor and I generally steam them. I have heard that borcht soups are highly digestible which might be a results of ot the boiling process.
Definitely seconding pickling them. I love pickled beets!
Beets are known to have a laxative effect. I actually make a butternut squash and beet soup when I want to detox from heavy foods / bad diet.