To make beet juice for food coloring, you'll need to boil beets until the water reduces into a concentrated extract. Here's a straightforward method:
Steps to Make Beet Juice Food Coloring:
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Prepare the Beets: Use 4 medium red beets. Wash them thoroughly, and you can peel them if you prefer (although leaving the skin on will intensify the color). Chop the beets into smaller, roughly equal pieces. This helps them cook more evenly.
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Boil the Beets: Place the chopped beets in a pot. Cover them with about 2 3/4 cups of water. Ensure the water completely covers the beets.
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Reduce the Liquid: Bring the water and beets to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Continue to boil until the liquid reduces and concentrates, about 25 minutes, or until you achieve a deep, rich color in the remaining liquid.
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Strain the Extract: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or mason jar. Carefully pour the beet extract through the sieve, separating the liquid from the beet solids. Discard the solids (or compost them!).
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Cool and Store: Allow the beet juice food coloring to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week.
Tips for Success:
- Red Beets are Best: Using red beets will give you the most vibrant red/pink color.
- Concentration: The longer you boil the beet juice, the more concentrated (and intensely colored) it will become. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Storage: Proper storage will help prevent spoilage and maintain the color intensity.
This homemade beet juice will impart a natural red or pink hue to your culinary creations. Enjoy!
