Some Beets .. Beta Vulgaris

 I grew more beets this year.  I didn't have much last year and thought to add more this year.  Although I struggled to  grow them earlier because of the frost, birds, and slugs, it finally  took off  after reseeding twice.  I will try to can  the beet roots since I planted enough to preserve and cook.

Beets are good  source of folate, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. They also contain some protein and a good amount of fiber. Given their rich nutrient composition, beets have some great health benefits so including  in my regular diet is awesome.  I guess not many people  grow beets because  they are a little pricy when you buy it from the store, that's why I love to grow them myself.  

Aside from pickling and cooking, I also love making beet juice.  Hubby and I love  beets.  This is the one that he always request for us to grow in the garden.

According to this book I am reading, Beets are rich in betaine, which stimulates liver cell function and helps keep the bile ducts healthy and flowing so that the body can properly eliminate toxins. Beets also protect against heart disease because another benefit of betaine is its ability to reduce homocysteine levels.

Beet greens are a great source of phytonutrients such as lutein and zeazanthin , these two are are critical for the health of our eyes.  My vision is getting weaker as I age so I am consuming more beets  for that reason.

The roots are sweet so I like it plain, I like   steaming it  and eat it like a dessert.  Great to pair when you are eating steak as well.

Have you ever tried cooking beet greens?  It is delicious when you saute it with bacon, garlic, and shallots.

My Jack Russel Terrier Seems very impressed of our harvest.

Gardening is a continuous learning  process for me.  Every year, I try to grow  different plants  and see if we like it.  If we do and I can grow it well, I keep planting it every gardening season just like this beets.