Red Baby Beets
Inventory, bunch : 0
Description/Taste
Baby Red beets are harvested young for their edible roots, stems and leaves. 10-12 inch variegated red and green leafy stems ascend from the Red beet's deep burgundy colored, bulbous root. Baby Red beets have a trademark flavor of rich earthiness and candy sweetness. The flavor found inherently in beets is due to geosmin, an organic compound responsible for their deep earthy flavor and aroma. Baby Red beets have a tender from texture. Their greens are also tender, the flavor though, semi-bitter. Red beets can be harvested at any time during their growing cycle. If left to mature the roots can reach up to an average of three inches in diameter. Beets with greens still attached a sign that they are extremely fresh.
Seasons/Availability
Baby Bunch Red beets are available from Jaime farms during the fall months.
Nutritional Value
The color of the red beetroot is due to a variety of betalain pigments. These betalin pigments have repeatedly been shown to support activity within the body's detoxification process, activating and processing unwanted toxic substances. Betalians are not heat-stable, though, so longer cooking times can decrease their presence in beets.
Applications
Steaming and roasting bring out the best flavor that Baby Red beets can offer. Baby Red beets require less cooking time than mature beets. The skin should be peeled, which is easiest after it has cooked, as it simply slips away from its flesh. Baby Red beets pair well with cheese such as pecorino and gorgonzola, bacon, apples, fennel, citrus, potatoes, shallots, vinegar, walnuts, smoked and cured fish. Baby Red beets can be preserved via pickling, which also changes their flavor profile while contributing to the length of the root's shelf-life. Beet greens can be used for salads or as a pot herb. Beets will keep, refrigerated, for up to a week or longer if their tops are removed. Red beet varieties will bleed raw or cooked with potential to stain surfaces and skin.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Baby Beets. One is easiest, three is harder.
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