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.