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What Are Pickled Beet Eggs?

K.E. Walsh
K.E. Walsh

Pickled beet eggs are hard-boiled eggs that have been pickled along with whole, cooked red beets. Pickling with the red beets causes the eggs to turn a pink or purple color. They are sometimes referred to as beet eggs or red beet eggs.

Pickling is a process by which foods are preserved by being marinated in an acid solution that usually includes vinegar. The pickled food usually has a salty or sour taste. Originally, pickling was used to preserve foods for storage and for use out of season or for long journeys. Now, foods are pickled mainly because people like the taste.

A carton of eggs. Eggs can be hard boiled and pickled with beets to give them a pink or purple color.
A carton of eggs. Eggs can be hard boiled and pickled with beets to give them a pink or purple color.

There are numerous recipes for making pickled beet eggs. A basic recipe involves hard boiling the eggs and removing the shells, then immersing them in solution of vinegar, salt, sugar, spices and other seasonings, along with the beets and beet juice. The eggs and beets are left in the pickling solution for as little as 24 hours or as long as several months. Leaving the eggs in the solution for too long, however, can cause them to become rubbery. Care should be taken to make sure that the eggs and beets are pickled properly to remove any harmful bacteria.

Whole, cooked beets are used in pickled beet eggs.
Whole, cooked beets are used in pickled beet eggs.

It is easier for the beets to be bought already pickled. Cooks put the peeled hard-boiled eggs in canning jars, then add the pickled beets and pickled beet juice to the eggs. The jars are then sealed and refrigerated for at least 24 hours to pickle the eggs and impart the red color.

Pickled beet eggs usually are eaten as appetizers or as a side dish. They also can be used on top of salad greens or to make deviled eggs. Easter is a popular time of year for pickled eggs. An abundance of hard boiled eggs during this season makes pickling them popular. It helps offer variety to those who eat a lot of eggs.

It has also been noted that pickled beet eggs are a good way to introduce children to beets. The sweetness in the pickling solution helps kids like the eggs and the beets. The eggs' unusual color might even help convince some kids to try them for the first time.

Discussion Comments

literally45

@ddljohn-- Unfortunately, the pickled beet eggs sold at grocery stores are usually rubbery or they're too young, so the eggs are not pickled all the way. I recommend buying pickled beet eggs from farmer's markets if you can find them, or from organic markets. You could even buy them online. I think they turn out much better when they are not mass produced.

I buy mine from the neighboring farm. My neighbor makes different types of pickles and sells them at her farm and also at farmer's markets. Her pickled beet eggs are wonderful. The eggs are firm, very dark red on the outside and pinkish on the inside. They are always pickled all the way and are slightly sweet, slightly tangy. I love eating them as is, or on top of salads.

turquoise

@ddljohn-- You know you could change ready made pickled beet eggs to your liking. For example, if the eggs are too bland add some spices and foods into the jar like garlic, red peppers, chili, cloves, ginger, etc.

You could even replace the brine with your own to reduce the sugar/salt content of the pickled eggs. Pour out the brine and make your own brine with vinegar and water. Pour the brine over the eggs. The pickled eggs will pick up the flavors of the new brine or added spices in just a few days.

ddljohn

I love pickled beet eggs but I'm too lazy to make them and I have a hard time finding ones that I like. I've tried about five different brands so far but either they were too sweet or too bland. I don't like mine sweet but they shouldn't just taste of vinegar either. I like mine just a tiny bit spicy. It's so hard to find pickled beet eggs that suit my palate.

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    • A carton of eggs. Eggs can be hard boiled and pickled with beets to give them a pink or purple color.
      By: CrackerClips
      A carton of eggs. Eggs can be hard boiled and pickled with beets to give them a pink or purple color.
    • Whole, cooked beets are used in pickled beet eggs.
      By: mates
      Whole, cooked beets are used in pickled beet eggs.