How to Dehydrate Beet Leaves
Whenever I harvest from the garden, I always try to think of ways that I can use every single part of the crop, and create recipes such as using strawberry tops to make a strawberry-infused vinegar (check out that recipe here!). Not only can there be health benefits to adding these often discarded parts of vegetables and fruits to our diet, but it also reduces our waste. Anything that I truly cannot use, goes into our composter and back into the garden to provide nutrients to our plants! Nothing goes to waste in our home, and I want to share how you can also reduce your waste when it comes to beet leaves.
Benefits of Beet Leaves
Rich in Nutrients: Beet leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Boosts Immune System: Vitamin C in beet leaves helps strengthen the immune system and improve the body's ability to fight infections.
Bone Health: Vitamin K and calcium found in beet leaves are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
* Note: I am not a medical professional, and am not providing this information as medical or health advice. Always consult your doctor for what is best for you and your health.
Growing Beets: Garden-to-Table Tips
I grow beets by seed from April to mid-summer. When you plant in mid-summer, this will be to enjoy a fall harvest which is the best for hearty meals.
Beets takes approximately 55-75 days to grow.
Beet plants like compost rich soil! I add a little worm casting when I plant and water regularly.
Harvest beets when they are at the maturity you want. You will see the beet above the ground to know how big it is. This may look different depending the variety.
Leave beets in the ground until you want to harvest, the soil is like cold storage, harvest as you need so they don’t go bad, or soft in the fridge.
How to Dehydrate the Leaves for Smoothie Powders
To start, wash the leaves and cut most of the stem off as it tends to get quite hard. Pat dry with a tea towel. Depending on your chosen method for dehydration, follow the next steps:
Using a Dehydrator: Lay the leaves on racks of the dehydrator, and place into the machine. Let the leaves sit in the dehydrator for 6 hours at 140°F (60°C). I personally have the 16-Tray Commercial Dehydrator from Commercial Dehydrators, and I love it! Use code PURPOSEFUL10 for 10% off your order!
Using an Oven: Lay the leaves on cookie sheets placed in a baking sheet (this allows airflow under the leaves, and even dehydration. Let them sit in the oven for 8-10 hours at 135°F (57°C).
When your leaves are done and completely dehydrated, add the leaves to a food processor or blender, and store in a sealed jar and add to smoothies!
I hope this blog has inspired you to try finding new ways to use every part of your crop that you can when you harvest! There’s so many ways to use these often discarded pieces of our vegetables & fruits that can not only taste delicious, but benefit the planet & our garden. Don’t forget to check out Commercial Dehydrators and use code PURPOSEFUL10 for 10% off your order!
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