Beets
OSGF
Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
Latin Name: Beta vulgaris
Varieties We Grow: Boldor, Chioggia, Bulls Blood, Merlin
Storage: To store the roots, remove the greens and put the unwashed beet into an airtight container/bag. Beetroots can last up to a month in the fridge when stored this way. Beet greens can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container/bag.
Beets are a sweet and earthy root vegetable with bright, colorfully stemmed leaves that are in fact the same species as Swiss chard. Beets have been selected and bred for their large, sugary roots whereas chard is differentiated by its bigger and more colorful leaves.
All parts of this vegetable are edible; both the greens and the beetroot can be eaten raw or cooked. Beet greens can be used similarly to swiss chard or spinach, and they impart a mild beet flavor to salads, sandwiches, soups, pestos and many more dishes. One easy way to prepare the greens is sauteing with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and a splash of lemon juice. The beet itself can be roasted, boiled, grilled, pickled or kept raw before adding to a salad or enjoying on its own. Roasting beets in bite sized chunks with olive oil, salt and pepper before drizzling a little balsamic vinegar on them is our favorite simple beet recipe at the BCCF.
Recipes
Roasted Beets: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-beets-recipe-1925366
Sauteed Beet Greens: https://www.loveandlemons.com/beet-greens/
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic: https://www.loveandlemons.com/beet-salad-recipe/
Smoky Black Bean Beet Burgers: https://minimalistbaker.com/smoky-black-bean-beet-burgers/