10 Steps to Canning Pickled Beets

Step 5. Cook Beets

Put the beets in boiling water. They should be covered with the boiling water. After the water boils again, cook 2-3 inch beets for 20 minutes. Cook 4-5 inch beets 30 minutes. Try to sort sizes in each batch. Test one to see if it has been boiled long enough. Cooked beets will allow you to rub skin off with some easy effort. Take them out with a slotted spoon into a pan of cold water. That helps you work on them without burning yourself.