It's a vegetable that polarizes like no other: Some love its deep, earthy flavor, while others give it a wide berth. But those who ignore beetroot (or red beet) are missing out on one of the healthiest vegetables our native soils have to offer. It's a real performance booster and strengthens you from within. You'll find out here why you should definitely give this red root a chance – and why gloves are your best friend when preparing it.
What you should know about beetroot
Beetroot is a classic storage vegetable for the cold season. Its season extends from September to March. During these months, you can get it fresh with greens or as stored produce.
It is closely related to sugar beet and chard. Its distinguishing feature is its deep red color, which comes from the pigment betanin. This is so intense that it is also used as a natural food coloring (E162).
Nutrients & Effects
Beetroot is a true marvel of nature. It is considered a classic athlete's vegetable. Why? It promotes blood circulation and can improve performance and regeneration.
But not only athletes benefit: It is an excellent source of folic acid, which makes it particularly important for blood formation and cell division. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties and protects your cells. For those who follow an alkaline diet, beetroot is an excellent choice: it has an alkaline effect in the body. Since it is also rich in fiber, it keeps you feeling full for a long time and cares for the intestines.
Taste & Consistency
This is often the sticking point: beetroot has a very characteristic, earthy taste. This comes from the substance geosmin (the same substance that is responsible for the scent of summer rain on dry soil). Raw, it is very hard and crunchy; cooked, it becomes buttery soft and sweet.
A very important warning from your graphic: The root is highly staining. The red juice immediately stains cutting boards, clothes, and skin.
Preparation with kitchen appliances
With the right tools (and precautions!), preparation is a breeze:
- Slow Juicer / Juicer: Your graphic highlights it: beetroot is great for juicing! A beetroot juice with apple, ginger, and lemon is the ultimate immune system kick in winter. The apple wonderfully mellows out the earthy taste.
- Air Fryer: Beetroot chips are an ingenious, healthy snack alternative. Slice the root (with gloves!) into thin pieces, mix them with a little oil and salt, and bake them until crispy in the air fryer. Roasting makes them wonderfully sweet.
- Blender: For a pink smoothie ("Pink Power"), blend raw or cooked beetroot with berries and banana. Since it's an athlete's vegetable, it's the perfect pre-workout shake.
- Bread maker: A beetroot bread not only looks spectacular (purple inside!) but is also extremely moist. Add finely grated beetroot or beetroot juice instead of water to the bread maker.
- Ice cube maker: Since the root is highly staining, you can freeze beetroot juice in ice cube trays and later use these as natural "color bombs" to color sauces, rice, or smoothies pink without adding much flavor.
Shopping & Storage
Look for firm roots that are not shriveled. If you buy them with leaves, they should look fresh (you can eat them like spinach!).
Beetroot stores very well. It will keep for weeks in the vegetable drawer or a cool cellar. Tip: Wrap it in newspaper to prevent it from drying out.
Use in the kitchen
- The classic: Borscht – the Eastern European stew that warms and satisfies.
- Salad: Cooked and diced with apple, onions, and lamb's lettuce, or thinly sliced raw as carpaccio with goat cheese and walnuts.
- Roasted vegetables: Cut into wedges and roasted on a baking sheet with potatoes and carrots.
Fun Facts
- Scare moment: Don't be alarmed if your urine or stool turns reddish after consumption. This is completely harmless and is due to the pigment betanin, which is excreted again.
- Cosmetics: In the past, women used beetroot juice as a natural blush or lipstick.
- Space food: Beetroot has been on the menu for astronauts in space because it is so nutrient-dense.
Conclusion
Beetroot is the queen of winter vegetables: It's a top source of folic acid, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is unbeatable as an athlete's vegetable. While its earthy taste and strong staining properties might not win a popularity contest on a first date, its inner values are convincing. Especially as a juice – because it's good for juicing – it's a must for your health.
