Beetroot chips: benefits and how to make them in a food dehydrator

Beetroot is a popular root vegetable that has been used in cooking for thousands of years. Interestingly, in ancient times, people primarily consumed beetroot leaves. They were added to salads as well as various soups, including beetroot soup, botvinya and other traditional dishes.

Today, beetroot is widely used in first and second courses, salads, appetizers, and sandwich spreads. It can also be turned into delicious beetroot chips — savory, low-calorie, flavorful, and highly nutritious snacks that pair perfectly with kvass, lemonade, fruit drinks, and many other beverages.

Health benefits of beetroot chips

When beetroot is dehydrated, it retains most of the nutrients that are important for normal metabolism and the proper functioning of the body’s organs and systems. This root vegetable contains:

• Betaine and betanin — vitamin-like compounds with powerful antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties;
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B6) — essential for the nervous system and brain function and important for maintaining normal cognitive performance;
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — an important antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps the body respond to external challenges such as viruses and bacteria;
• Niacin (vitamin PP/B3) — involved in converting proteins and carbohydrates into energy and supporting normal gastric function;
• Magnesium and iron — minerals involved in blood formation and the functioning of the central nervous system. Magnesium participates in more than 300 metabolic processes, including heart rhythm regulation and nerve impulse transmission. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, which plays a key role in oxygen transport and overall energy levels;

Beetroot snacks are also rich in dietary fiber. Depending on the variety, a 100-gram serving can contain approximately 5–20 grams of fiber. Dietary fiber supports healthy digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and provides a source of nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria and the intestinal microbiota.

Vegetable chips are relatively uncommon on supermarket and grocery-store shelves, but they are easy to make at home. Homemade beetroot chips contain no preservatives, artificial colorings, or other unnecessary additives, making them an excellent alternative to commercially produced snacks.

How to make beetroot chips at home

To make approximately two servings of beetroot chips, you will need:

• 1 kg (2.2 lb) of beetroot, preferably a sugar beet variety;
• 1 teaspoon of salt;
• 1 teaspoon of Provençal herbs;
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil;

Wash, peel, and slice the beetroot into rounds no more than 3–4 mm thick. Place the slices in a deep bowl, drizzle with vegetable oil, and sprinkle with salt and Provençal herbs. Mix thoroughly and leave the beetroot to marinate for 15–20 minutes.

Next, arrange the beetroot slices in a single layer on the trays of a food dehydrator or electric drying cabinet. Set the temperature to 55°C (131°F) and the timer to 9.5–10 hours.

The finished beetroot chips should be crisp, easy to break, and pleasant to chew.

You can also experiment with different seasonings. For example, try adding chili, paprika, garlic salt, or Adyghe salt instead of regular table salt.

A dedicated food dehydrator or drying cabinet is preferable for making vegetable snacks because it is designed specifically for low-temperature dehydration. A conventional household oven may not provide the same precise low-temperature control and continuous airflow required for consistent and even dehydration.

CraftOil electric drying cabinets for home and professional use

CraftOil offers a wide selection of automatic electric drying cabinets made from certified stainless steel approved for use in food-related applications.

SSH-М and SSH-М2 are ideal for home use. They are compact, feature a simple, practical design, and can easily fit into almost any kitchen.

SSH-1, SSH-2, and SSH-4 are professional drying cabinets designed for businesses producing snacks, dried herbs, greens, vegetables, and other food products for sale.

All models come with a one-year official manufacturer’s warranty, as well as comprehensive support for equipment installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.

CraftOil also offers an excellent range of spices, seasonings, oils, flours, grains, and nuts. In our catalog, you can easily find Provençal herbs, Adyghe salt, garlic salt, chili pepper, ground or crushed paprika, sunflower oil, corn oil, and many other products.

For more information about our products and equipment, simply submit an inquiry through the CraftOil website.