Beets
Also known as beetroot, are the taproots of the beet plant: the largest, dominant root of a plant.
Beets have been around forever; apparently, they were mentioned in an Assyrian text to be growing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, were used by the Romans, and included in Medieval meals.
Now beets are popular across Europe, but they are also loved and grown in Ontario!
- Bunching beets have the leafy greens on top left on:
- Detroit Rudibus
- Red Ace
- Ruby Queen
- Beets best for processing include:
- Avenger
- Multipurpose:
- Big Red
- Supra
- Pacemaker 3
Beets are low in calories, and are a good source for vitamin C, potassium, and folacin.
Wrap beets in paper towels and refrigerate in the crisper.
Store in a low-humidity drawer.
Beets can be baked, boiled, steamed, or pickled.
Cooked beets are great for salads.
| Seasonal Availability |
|---|
| January to April, July to December |
Nutrition per 125 mL beets (90 g), boiled:
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Total Sugar | 7 g |
| Total Dietary Fibre | 1.8 g |
| Calcium | 14 mg |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
| Sodium | 69 mg |
| Potassium | 274 mg |
| Magnesium | 21 mg |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
Provided by Health Canada