Nutritional Profile & Key Compounds- Beetroot is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins (C, folate), and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
- It contains powerful antioxidants such as betalains, which give beets their characteristic red color and provide health-protective benefits.
- Beets are high in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide, helping to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
- Contains betaine, a substance that may promote a sense of well-being.
- Health Benefits
- The nitrates in beetroot can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Nitric oxide from beetroot nitrates can enhance blood flow, which may boost endurance and support energy levels during physical activity.Beetroot has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.
- The high fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports overall digestive health.
Culinary UsesYou can eat beetroot raw in salads, or cook it by boiling, roasting, or steaming.
Beetroot juice is a popular way to consume its nutrients and gain health benefits.
Its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant natural color make it a valuable ingredient in various dishes and as a food additive.
Beets are a staple in Northern and Eastern European cooking, notably in Polish soups like Barszcz, and are used to create a cold summer soup in Lithuania called šaltibarščiai.
Plant & GrowingBeetroot is the taproot of the Beta vulgaris plant, which also includes other cultivars like sugar beet and chard.
The plant requires plenty of sunshine to develop its sweet taste and is well-suited to cooler growing conditions found in Northern Europe.
- Beetroot is typically grown from seed sown in May and is ready to harvest from early July to October.