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Beetroots have been around for centuries, yet only recently have they come into the limelight. These vibrant and versatile vegetables are packed with health-promoting nutrients, providing a wide range of benefits. Whether raw or cooked, beetroots make a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.
What are beetroots?
Beetroot is a root vegetable also known as red beet, garden beet, or just beet. While beet is the most common name for this vegetable in the US, it’s referred to as beetroot in other English-speaking countries. Both the leaves and root of beetroot can be eaten – the leaves have a bitter taste, whereas the root is sweet. Beetroots are usually reddish-purple, although some varieties are yellow or white. They are often used raw in salads or cooked in dishes like soup and borscht. Beetroot can also be made into beet juice, a popular healthy beverage.
Beetroots nutrition
Beetroots contain a wide variety of essential nutrients for a healthy life; they are rich in fibre, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Beetroots also contain nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure and improve exercise performance.
A 100g serving of raw beetroots provides:
36 kcals/154KJ
7g protein
1g fat
6g carbs
5g fibre
380mg potassium
150mcg folate
What do beetroots taste like?
Beetroots are known for their earthy flavour and surprising sweetness. The taste of beets can also vary depending on their variety. For example, golden beets are sweeter than red beets.
How to cook and eat beetroots
Beetroots can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some tips for cooking and eating this purple vegetable.
The first step is to select the right beetroots. Look for firm beetroots with no soft spots or cracks. The skin should be bright and smooth, and the leaves should be fresh and green.
You can either boil, steam, or roast your beetroots. Boiling is the simplest way; all you need to do is place the beetroots in a pot of boiling water and cook them for 10-15 minutes or until they're tender. Steaming is also relatively easy; simply put the beetroots in a steamer basket, cover them, and steam for 8-10 minutes. Roasting beetroots is a bit more involved; you'll need to preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F), wrap the beetroots in foil, and bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender.
Beetroots are delicious on their own, but they can also be added to salads, soups, and stews. They can also be eaten raw as a snack or in a salad. You can make beetroot juice or a smoothie if you're feeling adventurous.
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