Beets

Chioggia Beets

Assyrian text mention beets as far back as 800 BC. Beets are grown as annuals. They are typically purple but can be white and yellow as well. Common beet varieties are Detroit Dark, Early Wonder, Lutz Green Leaf, Chioggia, Burpee Golden, Ruby Queen and White Albino. Common ways to eat beets are boiled, roasted and grilled.  

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Growing Beets
For a continuous supply of beets, plant seeds after last frost in short rows at monthly intervals until mid-summer. Plant beet seeds 1/2 to 1-inch deep in full sun. Seeds take 7-10 days to germinate and 50-80 days to mature. For tender roots, water frequently in dry weather. Beets like temperatures of 50-75 degrees. 

Harvesting Beets
Beets should be smooth, round and firm. Harvest when beets are between 1-inch and 3-inches wide. The larger beets are sweeter but also tougher. Beets can be picked for 4-6 weeks before they become too woody.

Beet Pests

• Carrot weevils are present if chewed holes appear on leaves. Cover beets with agricultural fleece to prevent weevils from infesting crop.
  
• Mites are present if leaves become yellow, stippled and dry. Forcefully spray leaves with water to knock the mites off the leaves.
  
• Whitefly is present if leaves weaken, turn yellow and fall off. There will also be a honeydew secreted by the whiteflies. This causes fungus. Spray plants forcefully with water and rub the leaves with fingers to remove whiteflies.

Cooking with Beets
Roasted or grilled beets are a wonderful to addition to salads.
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/grilled-fresh-beets.html

Nutrients in Beets

• Vitamin C
• Fiber
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Folate
• Potassium
• Manganese