Beets: The New Spinach
It's so easy to love fresh beets!
Many only know beets as those crinkle-cut slices of beets steeped in vinegar. Fresh beets have so much more to offer. Their flavor is sweet, slightly earthy with a texture that is smooth and velvety and their color is rich and saturated making them a beautiful addition to any meal.
Nutritional Powerhouses
Fresh beets are nutritional powerhouses. High in folate, manganese and potassium, Beets are also rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium and magnesium.
The leafy tops pack an additional punch of nutrition. An excellent source of beta-carotene, iron, calcium - it's surprising many purchasers request beets with the greens removed! Bring your beets home with the greens intact and try one of our new recipes out below - you are going to love the greens!
Beet Season
Available year-round, the best time to buy them is June through October, when they are at their most tender. When buying fresh beets, look for unblemished bulbs with sturdy, unwilted greens. Smaller roots are more tender, avoid any beets larger than about 2½" in diameter as they may have tough, woody cores.
In addition to the usual red variety, fresh beets can also be found in a beautiful golden color and pink and white striped Chioggia beets.
Roast Beets
Roasting is an easy way to cook beets. Doesn't take long and the skins slip off easily. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut the greens from the beets, reserving them for later.
Scrub the beets and place in a baking dish. Add 1/4 inch of water to the dish. Cover and roast in oven for 30 to 50 minutes depending on size. They are done when you can easily slide a knife in. Allow to cool and slip off the skins. Roasted beets are perfect on their own or add a slight drizzle of your favorite vinaigrette.
Beet Greens
The greens can be cooked like spinach - steam uncovered in a pan with a small amount of boiling water (around ½" depth) or gently saute in garlic, olive oil and red pepper flakes
Nutritional Information: 1 serving (2 beets approx 2" diameter)
44 calories | Total fat: 0.2g | cholesterol 0mg | sodium 77mg | Total carbohydrates 10.0g (Dietary Fiber 2.0g | Sugars 8.0g) Protein 1.7 g
Vitamins & Minerals (based on DVA) Folate 20% | Vitamin B-6 3.4% | Vitamin C 6% | Magnesium 5.8% | Manganese 16.3% | Zinc 2.3%