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beet
Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris ssp. macrocarpa
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Beet (Beta vulgaris)
Beets, also known as table beet, garden beet, red beet, or golden beet, are a versatile root vegetable enjoyed for both their edible taproots and leaves (beet greens).
Considerations for Pets
- Beet greens have a bitter taste.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Beta vulgaris
- Common Names: Beet, table beet, garden beet, red beet, golden beet
- Family: Amaranthaceae (as mentioned in the text in relation to the broader genus Beta)
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The beetroot is the taproot portion of the beet plant.
- Beet leaves (beet greens) are also edible.
- The plant is a hardy species.
Distribution and Habitat
- Table beet is a popular garden vegetable throughout the United States.
Historical and Traditional Uses
- The plant was known to the Romans, but not cultivated for roots until much later.
Nutritional Information
- Beets are an excellent source of folate and a very good source of manganese, potassium, and copper.
- They are also a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin B6.
- A unique phytochemical compound, glycine betaine, is present and helps lower toxic homocysteine levels.
Quirky Facts
- Some individuals consume beets before competitions.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Beets belong to the same family as chard and spinach.
Further Information
- British Sugar Beet Portal: www.uksugarbeet.co.uk
- MusicBrainz tagger: http://beets.io/