In honor of Eat Your Veggies month, we’re highlighting just a sampling of what you might find on a Farmer Foodshare truck and on their way to stores, restaurants and nonprofits around the Triangle during the month of June. Next up: BEETS!
What are beets?
Beets are root vegetables. They come in beautiful rich colors and have a big, sweet flavor. Generally 2-3 inches in diameter, they have the highest sugar content of any vegetable. Beets come in 3 colors; red, white, and yellow or golden beets. Red beets are the most commonly grown and watch out(!)…they stain. In addition to having a delicious root, a beet’s greens are edible as well.
Did you know?
From the Middle Ages, beetroot was used as a treatment for a variety of conditions, especially illnesses relating to digestion and the blood.
Why Should You Eat it?
Despite their sugar content, beets are low in calories and fat, yet high in valuable vitamins and minerals. In fact, they contain a bit of almost all the vitamins and minerals that you need!
Also: Beets are a good source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health, as well as reducing the risk of a number of chronic health conditions.
How do you eat it?
Asta in Chapel Hill shared this easy and delicious idea: “Roast mixed root veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper— beets, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes sweet and regular, Brussels sprouts, etc. Throw in garlic and onion, too—whatever takes your fancy.”
More ways to eat your beets:
For more facts, nutrition information, and recipes, see our Beet Fact Sheet!
Check out our whole resource guide full of veggie fact sheets and recipes in English and Spanish!