Cropedia:Beet
Beet
Common name: Beet
Scientific name: Beta vulgaris
Years grown at UBC Farm/LFSOG: Not Available
Growing conditions
Beets grow in most soil conditions; however, the most optimal pH of soil for beet to grow is between 6.5 to 7.5. [2] Beets perform the best in full sun and fertile, friable garden soil, with regular water and light fertilization. [3]
- Soil pH: Neutral
- Soil Drainage: Well Drained
- Soil type: Loam, Sand
- Growth Rate: Very Fast
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Water Requirements: Average Water
- Habit: Rosette/Stemless
- Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall
Seasonality
Beet is a biennial, cool-season crop, and it grows the best in the cooler temperatures of late winter to early spring, and usually are harvested by late spring to early summer. [2]
Nutritional Information
Important Facts
- The roots of beet are rich in the nutrient betaine, and it also contributes to the deep red color of the beetroots. Betaine may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and might be benifical to people who have and liver disease.[4]
Beets are high in:
- vitamins
- minerals
- dietary fiber
Nutrition Facts/Valeur Nutritive | |
---|---|
Serving Size: 250 mL (raw) | |
Amount Per Serving | %Daily Value* |
Calories 62 | |
Total Fat 0g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 0.039g | 0% |
Trans Fat 0g | 0% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 0mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 13.74g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 2.7g | 12% |
Sugars 9.71g | |
Protein 2.31g | |
Vitamine A | 3% |
Vitamine C | 12% |
Calcium | 2% |
Iron | 8% |
* % Daily value based on a 2000 calorie diet |
Nutritional Infomation from Canadian Nutrient File (CNF)
Recipes
Borscht
Serves 8-10
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 3 cups beets, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
- 3 Tbs oil
- ½ cup tomato juice
- 2 Tbs lemon juice
- 10 cups vegetable stock
- 1 bunch dill, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- salt & pepper
Method:
- Sauté onion in 1 Tbs oil until golden and soft. Set aside.
- In a big soup pot, sauté carrots, celery, and cabbage in 2 Tbs oil for 3 minutes. Add bay leaf, basil, beets and stock and simmer until beets are slightly tender, about 30 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, tomato juice, dill, onions, salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or thick plain yogurt on top.
Recipe of Borscht is provided by UBC Agora Cafe
Additional usage inventory
Not Available
Academic connections
Not Available
References
[1] Retrieved from http://www.selfsufficientish.com/beetroot.htm
[2] Retrieved from http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/beta-vulgaris/
[3] Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/betaine-000287.htm
Additional Notes
- Planting: Sow outdoors late April to mid-July on the Coast. Beets will not produce roots if planted when the soil is too cold.