1) Wash beets thoroughly, and ensure at least ½” of the stem is still on the beet. Add to a large pot of boiling water and cook until barely fork tender, approximately 10-15 min.
2) Wearing gloves remove skin and slice into wedges or ½” rings. Place two pieces of ginger in each jar. Combine beets with onion and pack snugly into sterilized mason jars up to the first line.
3) In a large pot combine sugar, water, vinegar and spices, bring to the boil for 10 minutes. Fill up jars with liquid up to the first line then seal pressing down on the flat cover. Process jars in boiling water for 10 minutes, water should be above the jars.
4) Cool on a rack.