Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Other names: beetroot, blood elixir of youth, Beetroot, beetroot

Also known as beetroot, beetroot, beetroot or blood elixir of youth, beetroot is a popular root vegetable with a deep red colour that often appears on our plates. It is an important crop that can be grown almost all year round and is a source of many healthy substances, most notably betalains, which are responsible for its deep red colour. Beta vulgaris has a very typical, slightly earthy taste and is a popular ingredient in many traditional Czech dishes, but also in exotic cuisine.

The use of beetroot is very wide. It can be eaten raw in salads, boiled, stewed, roasted or even grilled. Its consumption is very healthy, not only because of its high content of vitamins and minerals. Beetroot is also pressed into juice, which is popular for its detoxifying effects and its ability to stimulate performance during sporting activities. It is also used to make red vinegar, borscht, a traditional Eastern European soup, bread leaven and even ink and dye. Another use is beet sugar - beet molasses, which is also used to make cane sugar. In recent years, fermented beetroot has also been growing in popularity, as the fermentation process gives it a special flavour and further increases its health benefits.