For hundreds of years, beet juice has been used for cosmetics, as food coloring and to dye clothing. For this reason, many home cooks are wary of peeling this colorful vegetable, as it can stain hands and clothing. Arm yourself properly, and peeling a beet is no more difficult than peeling a potato.

Run the beets under cold water and remove any dirt using your fingertips. Handle them gently, being careful not to break the skin.

Put on a pair of latex gloves if you do not want to scrub stains from the beet juice off of your hands when you are finished.

Hold the beet firmly in your non-dominant hand. Using your dominant hand, grip the peeler and peel the beet the same as you would peel an apple or carrot. Use the vegetable peeler slowly and methodically, always peeling away from your hands, to avoid cuts.

Dispose of the peelings and continue your preparation of the beet for your recipe.