Beetroot

Also known asBeet · Red Beet · Beta vulgaris

Name: Beetroot, also called beet, red beet or table beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) — a round, deep red-purple root with sweet, earthy flesh. Golden beets have their own page, and the leaves are covered as beet greens.

Description

Beetroot is native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, and was originally grown for its leaves; the roots became popular in Europe in the 16th century. It is closely related to Swiss chard and sugar beet, which supplies much of the world's sugar. Beetroot is a staple of Eastern European cooking, in dishes such as borscht, and is also popular in Britain, Scandinavia and Australia.

Beetroot's colour comes from betalain pigments, which stain heavily and can turn urine and stools pink, a harmless effect called beeturia. It is rich in natural nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide, which has been studied for effects on blood pressure and exercise performance.

Main nutrition value

Beetroot is rich in folate, manganese and potassium, and in dietary nitrates, with betalain antioxidants, and its pigment is a source of its health reputation.

How best to be consumed

Beetroot can be eaten raw, roasted, boiled or pickled.

1. Roast whole in foil until tender, then peel, for a sweet, intense flavour.
2. Grate raw into salads and slaws, or slice thinly for carpaccio.
3. Boil or steam, then dress with vinegar, orange or goat's cheese.
4. Simmer into borscht, blend into soups, dips (such as beetroot hummus) and smoothies.
5. Wear gloves when peeling, and use a board that can stain.

Overconsumption could cause…

Beetroot is safe and healthy in food amounts.

1. Pink or red urine and stools after eating beets, which is harmless.
2. Oxalates, which matter for people prone to kidney stones when eaten in very large amounts. Beetroot is fairly high in oxalate.
3. Low blood pressure in people taking blood-pressure medicines, from large amounts of beetroot juice.
4. Added sugar and salt in pickled and processed beetroot.

GroupsOther Starchy VegetablesRoot VegetablesAmaranth family (Amaranthaceae)Low fatLow sodiumFresh

Made intoBeetroot Juice

Related foodsArrowrootLotus RootParsnipTaroYamCassava / Yuca

Wikipedia — Beetroot, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetroot