Beets
Welcome to the Beet Crop Page!
Scroll down to learn about some varieties, nutrition information, and more!
Jupiter Beets
Origin: Mediterranean Region
Features: Jupiter beets are dark red, bulb-shaped beets, with a purple undertone. They are a dual-purpose plant, as you can eat both the beet and the leafy greens on top. The beets have a sweet taste with a tender texture, and the leafy tops are very flavorful and can be used in place of spinach, swiss chard, or kale.
Growing Conditions: Jupiter Beetroots are pretty easy to grow and can grow in any season. These beets require full sun when cold and part shade when warm. They also need loose, moist soil. When planting, you can start inside or outside but, plant the seed directly in the soil. Jupiter beets mature in 48-55 days in the spring and summer. In the winter they take 60-75 days to mature.
Nutritional Value
According to the USDA 1 cup of raw beets has:
58 calories, 0.2 g of fat, 13 g of carbohydrates, 3.8 g of fiber, and 2.2 g of protein
Important vitamins and minerals in 1 cup of raw beets:
6.6 mg of vitamin C, 109 mcg of folate, 442 mg of potassium, 106 mg of sodium, and 0.33 mg of manganese
How to Use Beets
Beets can be prepared in many ways which include: roasting, steaming, boiling, or even microwaving in a dish with a small amount of water. You can cook beets whole or cut up, and you can choose if you want to eat them with or without their skin. Beets can also be eaten raw, but it is recommended that you peel the skin off first because the skin can be rough and hold in some of the dirt from growing.
Fun Facts
Since beets are high in fiber, they can help keep your gut healthy and manage blood sugar levels.
Beets are also a great source of folate, which is a vitamin that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Did you know that you can eat beet greens for extra antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins? Beet greens have a similar taste to kale or collard greens and are great sauteed with a little bit of oil and seasonings.
Red beets have strong, natural dyes that give them their color called betalains. It is completely normal for these dyes to show up when you go to the bathroom a day or two after eating beets.
How To Videos
PreK - 2nd Grade Educational Videos
All About Beets - Sprouting Interest for Kids
A Guide To A Beet's Physical, Nutritional, and Beneficial Characteristics
An educational video produced by Farm Fresh To You explains the aspects of a beet, how it is grown, and ways to cook the produce.