Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Cut Beets (Raw or Cooked)
How do you cut beets? Trim the greens and root tail, peel (before or after cooking), then slice, dice or cut wedges. Raw beets are dense, so use a sharp chef's knife and make a flat side first so they don't roll. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 8" Chef's Knife ($79) is German X50CrMoV15 at 54–56 HRC, tough enough for hard roots. A Dalstrong Y-Peeler ($69) takes the skin off raw beets quickly.
Peel before or after cooking?
| Peel raw | Peel after roasting or boiling | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Raw salads, roasting cubes, chips | Whole roasted or boiled beets |
| How | Y-peeler or paring knife | Rub skins off with a paper towel |
| Mess | More staining | Less effort |
Step by step
- Trim greens, leaving about an inch of stem, and the root tail. Save the greens; cook them like chard.
- Scrub under running water.
- Peel raw, or cook first and rub the skins off.
- Make a flat side. Slice a thin piece off one side and set the beet on it.
- Cut. Slices: cut straight down. Wedges: halve, then cut each half into wedges. Dice: slice into planks, then sticks, then cubes.
Avoiding stains
- Wear gloves or rub hands with lemon juice afterward.
- Use a plastic board, or lay parchment over a wood board.
- Prep golden beets first and red ones last if using both.
- Wash your knife promptly; beet juice is acidic.
Our picks
Chef's Knife 8", Gladiator Series, ELITE, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Y Peeler, 3 Blades Case ($69). A Y-shaped peeler; Dalstrong lists it with 3 blades and a case.
Nakiri Knife 6", Shogun Series, ELITE ($159). A Shogun Series nakiri: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish. Its flat edge slices thin rounds for carpaccio or chips.
Cooking ideas
Roast cubes with olive oil and salt until tender, shave raw beets into salads, or boil whole and slice for a goat cheese salad.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you cut beets?
Trim the greens and root, peel, cut a flat side so it doesn't roll, then slice, dice or cut wedges. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 8" Chef's Knife ($79) handles hard raw beets.
Should you peel beets before roasting?
For whole roasted beets, roast first and rub the skins off. For cubes, peel first.
How do you keep beets from staining your hands?
Wear gloves or rub your hands with lemon juice afterward.
Can you eat beet greens?
Yes. Cook them like chard or spinach.
