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Chioggia beets are early maturing beets that are small in size, averaging five centimeters in diameter. They have a globular, slightly flattened shape, connected to broad green leaves with thick, crisp red stems. These leaves are similar in texture to young Swiss Chard. Chioggia beets' skin is semi-rough, firm, and burgundy, covered in fine hairs. Underneath the skin, their flesh is dense and naturally striped with rings of white and fuchsia. Chioggia beets have a crunchy texture when raw and become more tender after cooking. This variety has a mild yet distinctly sweet and earthy flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Chioggia beets are available in the late summer through fall.
Current Facts
Chioggia beets, botanically classified as Beta vulgaris, are uniquely striped, edible roots that belong to the Amaranthaceae family. Also known as the Candy-Stripe beet, Candy Cane beet, and Bull’s Eye beet, Chioggia beets are an Italian heirloom variety that is famous for its brightly colored, concentric-ringed flesh. Chioggia beets are known to have one of the most robust earthy tastes among beet varieties and are named after the coastal town of Chioggia, Italy which is located on a small piece of land just outside of the Venice lagoon. While still localized to grocers and farmers who carry specialty varieties, Chioggia beets are increasing in popularity for their strong visual appeal and earthy flavor.
Nutritional Value
Chioggia beets are an excellent source of manganese, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.
Applications
Chioggia beets are popularly used raw to preserve the bright stripes in the flesh and can be sliced into salads or garnished on top of soups. Coating the slices in lemon juice or vinegar will also help maintain the coloring. Chioggia beets can also be utilized in cooked applications, but the flesh will fade into a pale pink or white hue. When cooked, Chioggia beets can be roasted to develop a sweet, earthy, and caramelized flavor or steamed for a tender, soft consistency. They can also be thinly sliced and baked into chips, blended into sauces or dips such as hummus, sliced into sticks and wrapped into fresh spring rolls, or pickled for extended use. In addition to savory applications, Chioggia beets are a popular replacement in baked goods to add color and texture to items such as brownies and cakes. It is important to note that the skin should be peeled before consumption and is easiest to remove after it has been cooked. The leaves of Chioggia beets are also edible and can be used in recipes as spinach or swiss chard substitute. Chioggia beets pair well with nuts such as pepitas, walnuts, and almonds, cheeses such as feta and goat, herbs such as cilantro, basil, and parsley, carrots, apples, ginger, scallions, and fennel. The roots will keep with their tops removed for 2-3 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. The leaves will only last 1-2 days once removed from the roots and stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States, Chioggia beets have significantly increased in popularity since the 19th century for their unusual, vibrant flesh and earthy flavor. These roots have become a favorite home gardening variety, and all parts of the plant are edible, supporting the popular zero-waste movement currently trending across the country. Chioggia beets also contain the highest content of geosmin, which is an organic compound that gives them a deep earthy flavor and aroma.
Geography/History
Chioggia beets are an Italian heirloom variety native to Chioggia, Italy, and were first discovered in 1840. The root was then spread to the rest of Europe and introduced to the United States in the 1860s. Today Chioggia beets can be found at local farmers markets and specialty grocers in the United States and Europe. They are also available online in seed form for home garden use.
Halal Pastures Famrs
Rock Tavern, NY
Chioggia beets are small, globe-shaped vegetables with a unique appearance, featuring flesh naturally striped with rings of white and fuchsia. Known for their mild, sweet, and earthy flavor, they have a crunchy texture when raw and become tender after cooking. Their green leaves and crisp red stems resemble young Swiss Chard in texture, adding versatility to the beet's culinary uses.
Large fresh French Chioggia beets are available in Paris…..Chioggia beets are prized for their vibrant striped flesh, especially when used raw in salads or as garnishes, where their coloring shines. Cooking them alters their hue to pale pink or white but deepens their flavor, bringing out sweetness and earthy notes. Their leaves are edible, resembling spinach or chard in recipes. Stored properly in the fridge, the roots last up to 3 weeks, while the leaves remain fresh for only a day or two.
Gloria Tamai Farms
Chiogga Beets AKA Candy Cane Beets In Santa Monica, California…...Chioggia Beets: These Italian heirloom vegetables are named after the coastal town of Chioggia in Italy, near the Venice lagoon. With their strikingly colorful concentric-ringed flesh, they are also called Candy-Stripe, Candy Cane, or Bull’s Eye beets. They stand out for having one of the most robust earthy flavors among beet varieties. Besides their visual charm, they are highly nutritious, offering manganese, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.
Turnips, Borough Market
London SE1 9AH
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Candy beetroots, also known as Chioggia beets, originate from Chioggia, Italy, and were first discovered in 1840. These heirloom vegetables gained international popularity, spreading throughout Europe before arriving in the United States in the 1860s. They are now widely accessible at farmers markets, specialty grocers, and even online as seeds for home gardening enthusiasts.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
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(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Chiogga Beets from Terra Madre Gardens…..Chioggia beets are cherished for their striking appearance and deep earthy flavor, thanks to their high geosmin content. Originating in the 19th century, these beets are now a popular choice in home gardens. All parts of the plant are edible, aligning with the zero-waste movement. Their vibrant flesh and unique taste make them stand out in both culinary and gardening communities.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Chioggia Beets from Terra Madre Farms…..Chioggia Beets: These small-sized, early-maturing beets have a distinctive visual appeal with flesh striped in rings of white and fuchsia. Their texture is crunchy when raw but softens after cooking. They showcase a mild yet sweet and earthy flavor, making them versatile for various dishes. Their leaves resemble young Swiss Chard and feature crisp red stems, adding further culinary possibilities to their use.
DAcquito Farms…..Chioggia beets can be enjoyed raw to showcase their vibrant stripes or cooked for a sweet, earthy flavor, though the stripes fade to pale hues. They’re versatile in both savory and sweet dishes, from salads and soups to baked goods like brownies. Their edible leaves can replace spinach or Swiss chard. Stored properly with tops removed, roots last up to 3 weeks, while leaves stay fresh for 1-2 days. Peeling is easier post-cooking.
DAcquito Farms…..Chioggia beets are a visually striking and flavorful Italian heirloom variety known for their concentric, candy-striped rings. Originally named after the coastal town of Chioggia, Italy, they belong to the Amaranthaceae family and are cherished by farmers and grocers specializing in unique produce. Packed with nutrients, they are an excellent source of manganese, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and fiber, making them both a vibrant and healthy addition to diets.
Hukama Produce…..Chioggia beets are an Italian heirloom root vegetable, originally discovered in Chioggia, Italy, in 1840. They gained popularity across Europe before being introduced to the United States in the 1860s. Widely appreciated for their unique appearance and flavor, these beets are now sold at farmers markets, specialty grocers, and are available as seeds for home gardening worldwide.
Coachella Valley Farmers Market
2300 E Bistro Road, Palm Springs, CA 92122
Gaytan Farm…..Chioggia beets have gained popularity in the United States for their vibrant flesh and earthy flavor. All parts of the plant are edible, making them an excellent choice for the zero-waste movement. They also contain high levels of geosmin, an organic compound responsible for their distinctive earthy taste and aroma, making them unique among beet varieties.