What Is The Use Of Beetroot Peel? A Practical Guide
You buy a bunch of beets, scrub them clean, then face the question: what about the peel? Most people toss it straight into the compost or the trash. But that deep red skin holds more than you think. It’s not garbage — it’s a resource. This article covers exactly what you can do with beetroot peel, from the kitchen to the garden. You’ll learn which methods work, which ones aren’t worth your time, and how to get the most out of every beet you bring home.
Think of this as the straight answer to the question What Is The Use Of Beetroot Peel? — no fluff, no sales pitch, just practical knowledge from someone who has roasted, powdered, dyed, and composted a lot of beet skins.
By the way, if you are cooking with kids and they start asking questions like “What is the World Cup?”, the book What Is the World Cup? (What Was?) from Penguin makes a great companion. It answers that big question in the same clear, direct way this article answers the beetroot peel question. Check the current price on Amazon if you need a quick fact book for curious minds.
What’s Actually in Beetroot Peel?
The peel contains a solid amount of fiber — about 2 grams per tablespoon of dried, ground peel. That’s roughly the same as a small apple. More interesting are the betalains, the pigments that give beets their red-purple color. These compounds act as antioxidants in your body. The peel holds a higher concentration of betalains than the flesh does, because the pigment builds up near the surface.
You also get decent levels of potassium, manganese, and iron from the peel. The numbers vary by beet size and growing conditions, but a tablespoon of dried peel powder provides roughly 3% of your daily iron needs. Not huge, but not nothing either.
One thing to note: oxalates are concentrated in the peel. People prone to kidney stones may want to limit how much they eat. More on that later.
How to Use Beetroot Peel in the Kitchen
Raw beet peel is tough and earthy. You can eat it, but it’s not pleasant. The trick is to soften it or grind it. Here are the three most practical culinary methods.
Roast It with the Flesh
Leave the peel on during roasting. Once the beets are soft, the peel peels off easily, but you can eat it right then. The heat breaks down the fibrous texture, and the peel takes on a slightly sweet, concentrated flavor. I roast beets at 400°F (200°C) for 40–50 minutes depending on size. The peel comes out tender enough to chew without effort. You won’t notice it in a salad or blended into a dip.
Make Beet Peel Powder
Wash the peels thoroughly, pat them dry, then spread them on a baking sheet. Dry at the lowest oven setting (around 170°F or 75°C) for 2–3 hours, or use a dehydrator at 125°F for 4–5 hours. The peels should snap when bent. Grind them in a clean coffee grinder or a food processor for everyday use. The resulting powder is a natural food coloring for smoothies, pasta dough, or icing. It adds a mild earthy taste, so don’t overdo it. Start with one teaspoon per cup of liquid.
Simmer into Broth or Dye
Place peels in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain. You get a deep red liquid. Use it as a vegetable broth base for soups or risotto — it adds color and a subtle beet flavor. Or let the liquid cool and use it as a natural dye for fabric or Easter eggs. The color is more rust-red than true red, and it fades over time, but it’s completely non-toxic.
If you are juicing beets and wonder about timing, check out the article on best time to drink grape juice — the same principles apply to beet juice: morning on an empty stomach works well for many people.
Non-Culinary Uses That Actually Work
Composting is the obvious one. Beet peel breaks down fast because it’s thin. But you can also use it as a gentle physical exfoliant in homemade scrubs. Dry the peel, grind it to a coarse powder, then mix with honey or yogurt. Use it on your face no more than once a week — the texture is abrasive enough to remove dead skin but not harsh enough to scratch. I tested this on my own skin. It worked fine, but the red stain lingered for an hour. So maybe do it before a shower, not before a dinner date.
Another use: make a beet peel vinegar. Pack clean peels into a jar, cover with apple cider vinegar, and let it sit for two weeks. Strain. The vinegar takes on a pinkish tint and a slightly earthy note. Use it in salad dressings or as a hair rinse. The acidity helps clarify the scalp, though the color rinses out completely.
When Not to Use Beetroot Peel
Raw peel straight from the vegetable drawer is not a snack. It’s tough, stringy, and can cause stomach upset if eaten in large amounts because of the fiber and oxalates. Stick to cooked or dried forms.
If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, be cautious. The peel contains higher oxalate levels than the flesh. A tablespoon of dried peel powder once in a while is fine, but daily large doses are not advised.
Also, beet peel stains everything — hands, cutting boards, countertops. Wear gloves when handling, and clean surfaces immediately with lemon juice or bleach spray.
| Method | Prep Time | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roast with flesh | 40–50 min | Eating directly, salads, purees | Mild flavor, tender texture |
| Dry into powder | 4–6 hours | Natural food coloring, smoothies | Earthy taste; start with 1 tsp |
| Simmer for broth or dye | 25–30 min | Soup base, fabric dyedye | Color fades in sunlight |
| Compost | Instant | Soil amendment | Breaks down in 2–4 weeks |
| Facial scrub | 30 min | Exfoliation (weekly) | Red stain temporary |
Frequently Asked Questions About Beetroot Peel
Can you eat beetroot peel raw?
Technically yes, but it tastes bitter and feels like chewing cardboard. The raw skin also has more dirt residue than the flesh, even after washing. Stick to roasted, boiled, or dried forms.
Does beetroot peel have more nutrients than the flesh?
In some cases, yes. The peel contains higher concentrations of fiber, betalains, and certain minerals like iron and potassium. However, the flesh has more sugars and a better balance of vitamins like folate. Neither is better overall — they complement each other.
How do you store beetroot peel for later use?
Dry the peels completely (crisp to the touch), then store in an airtight glass jar in a dark cupboard. They keep for 6–8 months. You can also freeze raw peels in a zipper bag for up to 3 months, but they will lose some color and texture.
Can beetroot peel stain your teeth or clothes?
Yes. The pigment sticks to porous surfaces. Clothing stains are hard to remove unless you treat them immediately with cold water and lemon juice. Teeth staining is temporary — brushing after eating or using a straw for juice helps.
Is beetroot peel good for your skin?
Used as a gentle scrub, it can help remove dead skin cells. The antioxidants may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect, but there is no solid clinical evidence. It’s not a replacement for a proper skincare product. The biggest con is the red stain — plan accordingly.
What You Actually Need to Remember
- Don’t throw beet peel away automatically. It is edible and useful once cooked or dried.
- Roast beets with the peel on. It takes zero extra effort and the peel becomes tender enough to eat.
- Make powdered beet peel. Use it as a natural red food coloring — better than artificial dyes.
- Simmer peels for a quick broth. Adds color and mild flavor to soups or grains.
- Compost peels if you have no other use. They are great for the soil.
- Watch oxalate intake if you have kidney stone issues. Moderation is key.
- Wear gloves and clean stains immediately. Beet pigment is stubborn, but lemon juice cuts it.
