Beta vulgaris

Beta Vulgaris is a plant species in the Amaranthaceae family, commonly known as beetroot, sugar beet, beet, or table beet. It is one of several cultivated varieties of Beta vulgaris grown for their edible taproots and leaves.

Description

Beta Vulgaris is a herbaceous biennial or, rarely, perennial plant with leafy stems growing to 1–2 m tall. The leaves are heart-shaped, 5–20 cm long on wild plants. The flowers are produced in dense spikes, each flower small, greenish, with five petals.

Cultivation

Cultivation of Beta Vulgaris requires a fertile soil, as the plant is subject to a disease known as 'beet scab', which causes rough patches on the root. The plant prefers cool temperatures, and the seeds are sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm.

Uses

Beta Vulgaris is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The root of the beet is eaten either boiled, roasted or raw, either alone or combined with any salad vegetable. The young leaves can be added to salads, whilst the adult leaves are most commonly served boiled or steamed.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Beta Vulgaris, including the Sugar Beet, used for producing table sugar, the garden beet, which is used as a vegetable, the leaf beet, also known as Swiss Chard, and the fodder beet, used as animal feed.

Health Benefits

Beta Vulgaris is rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium (essential for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas).

See Also

• Amaranthaceae
• Cultivation
• Sugar Beet
• Swiss Chard