Beets, also known as chard, are tasty and nutritious root vegetables. They are characterized by their sweet flesh and bright color, which can vary from red to yellow to purple. Beets are often used in cooking for their unique flavors and health benefits.

Historically, beets have been cultivated since antiquity. Originally, they were used mainly for their leaves, which resemble spinach and are rich in nutrients. It was only later that the focus shifted to the beet's fleshy, sweet roots. Over time, beet varieties have evolved, giving rise to a range of colors and sizes.

Beets have become popular for their versatility in the kitchen. They can be eaten raw, cooked, pickled, pureed, in salads or as a side dish. Their bright color also makes them attractive for culinary decoration. And more, beets contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them a nutritious and healthy food.

Today, beet is appreciated in many cultures around the world, and its use continues to evolve in modern cuisine. They are also used to produce sugar and molasses, as well as for industrial uses such as natural food dyes.

Beet nutrition highlights

Beets are rich in nutrients and offer a number of health benefits due to their nutritious composition. Here are some of the nutritional highlights of beet:
1. Low-calorie : Beets are relatively low in calories, making them suitable for a variety of diets.
2. Dietary fiber: Beets are a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, regulates blood sugar levels and contributes to satiety.
3. Vitamins and minerals: Beets are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin B folate, important for cell growth and cardiovascular health. They also contain minerals such as potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and manganese, essential for various metabolic processes.
4. Antioxidants : Beets contain antioxidants, including betaines and flavonoids, which help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic disease.
5. Natural nitrate: Beets are a natural source of nitrates, which can help improve blood circulation, physical performance and heart health by promoting blood vessel dilation.
6. Anti-inflammatory effect: Certain compounds found in beets have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce chronic inflammation in the body.
7. Rich in betaine: Betaine is a compound found in beets that can help support liver and cardiovascular health. 8. Promotes digestive health: Thanks to their fiber content, beets can support regular digestion and prevent gastrointestinal problems. 9. Supports brain health: The nitrates present in beets may benefit brain health by improving blood flow to the brain and supporting cognitive function.

Incorporating beets into your diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support your overall health. Whether in the form of salads, smoothies main courses or side dishes, beets offer a range of benefits for your body.

Selecting and storing beets

Choosing beets

When choosing beets at the store or market, here's what you should look for to get fresh, quality specimens:

• Smooth skin: Look for beets with smooth skin, free of cuts, dents or marks.
• Size: Choose medium to small beets, as they are generally more tender and flavorful than larger ones.
• Fresh leaves: If beets are sold with their leaves, make sure they are fresh, green and not wilted. Leaves are also edible and rich in nutrients.
• Vibrant color: Choose beets with a bright, even color. Avoid those that are faded or dull.

How to store beets

Once you've bought beets, follow these tips to preserve their freshness:

1. Cut the leaves: If beets are sold with their leaves, cut the leaves about 2.5 cm (1 inch) from the root.
2. Refrigerator storage: Store beets in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
3. Separate leaves: If you prefer to store the leaves separately, wrap them in absorbent paper and place in a plastic bag.
4. Early use: Beets are best eaten within 1-2 weeks of purchase.
5. Cooked beets: If you cook beets, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.

Tips for preparing beets

Here are a few tips on how to prepare beets efficiently and deliciously:

1. Initial washing: Before starting preparation, wash beets thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Peeling: Once the beets have been washed, peel them to remove the outer skin.
3. Cooking: Beets can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiled, roasted, steamed or even raw for salads.
4. Cooling: After cooking, allow beets to cool sufficiently for handling.
5. Cutting: Cut cooked beets into slices, dice or quarters, according to your preference and intended use.
6. Uses: Cooked beets can be eaten on their own, added to salads, pureed, etc.
7. Beware of stains: Beets tend to stain, so wear latex gloves when peeling and slicing them to avoid staining your hands.
8. Storage: Cooked beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
9. Use of leaves: Beet leaves are edible and rich in nutrients. You can cook them like spinach, or add them to stir-fries and soups.

Why choose organic beets?

Favoring organic beets has several advantages for your health, the environment and the sustainability of agriculture. Here's why you should choose organic beets:

1. Chemical-free: Organic beets are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.
2. Nutritional quality: Organic beets are often associated with higher levels of certain nutrients.
3. Environmental protection: Organic farming favors practices that are more respectful of the environment.
4. No GMOs: Organic beets are not genetically modified.
5. Taste and quality: Organic products are often considered to have better taste and quality.
6. Preservation of natural resources: Organic farming promotes the conservation of natural resources.
7. Clear labeling: Organic products are subject to strict labeling regulations.
8. Encouraging sustainable practices: By choosing organic products, you support sustainable farming practices.

Recipes with beet