Does it taste like beets?
It tastes like chocolate first. The beet flavor is mild and reads more like a deep, fruity earthiness in the background, kind of like how dark chocolate can taste roasty. If you are beet-shy, use a smaller beet and add a little more cocoa.
Do I need to cook the beets?
No, but it helps. Raw beets can work well if you have a high-speed blender and you dice them small. In many regular blenders, raw beet can blend up a little gritty or stringy, so straining becomes more important. For the smoothest, sweetest result, use roasted or steamed beets that are fully cooled. Cooked beets also strain easier.
Can I make it without a banana?
Yes. Swap the banana for 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower (very neutral), or add 1/4 avocado for creaminess. You may want an extra date or a drizzle of maple syrup to keep it dessert-level.
Can I make this with a juicer?
Yes, with a small twist. Juice only the beet, then use a blender to combine the beet juice with cocoa, plant milk, vanilla, salt, and sweetener. If you want that rich, milkshake-like body, blend in the banana too. Cocoa really benefits from blending so it disperses and tastes chocolatey instead of powdery.
Will this stain my cutting board?
Beets are talented like that. Use a plastic board if you have one, or rub a wood board with a little lemon and baking soda after. It often helps, but some stains are stubborn.
Why is everything suddenly pink?
Beets can tint urine or stool for a day. It is harmless and surprisingly dramatic.
