Old-Fashioned Pickled Beets

Step 1

If you are canning the beets for long-term storage, fill a large pot with a few canning jars and water just above the jars. Bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Remove jars from water and set aside. If you are refrigerating the beets, skip this step.

Step 2

Rinse the beets and trim tips of the beets on both ends. Place the beets in a large pot, cover the beets with water and cover. Bring to a boil on high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer 30 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Strain hot water from the pot and fill the pot with cold water and ice over the beets.

Step 3

While the beets are cooling, combine the vinegar, sugar, cloves, allspice, and salt into the same pot. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Once cooled to the touch, rub the skin off of the beets under running water before slicing into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the beets into the jars, leaving a 1/2-inch space at the top for the liquid. Ladle the liquid into the jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace on the top. Use a cloth to wipe the rims of the jars. Place a flat ring and lid on each jar. Finger tighten and place back into the water bath.

Step 5

Bring to a boil and process for 5 minutes. Remove jars and let cool.