Beets – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are beets?

The beet, also known as a beetroot, is a root vegetable. They come in many forms and varieties. The most common beets are red beets, table beets, sugar beets, and garden beets.

Where did beets originate from?

Beets have originated from ancient Babylon, Greece, and Rome. Scientists have also been able to confirm that beets have also had ties to North Africa.

Ancient civilizations have used the roots of beets for medicine and the leaves and stalks for cooking.

Germany and Italy had grown the closest thing to the modern beet that we know of today in the late 1500s. The modern form had slight deviations from the Greek’s and Roman’s version of beets. The German version of beets had smaller stalks and more extensive roots. German chemists formulated a way to make sugar from beets in the 1700s. Today this version of beets are known as sugar beets. They are white or beige and have a much larger root. The sugar beets came to the United States in California in the late 19th century. However, it is believed that beets have been a part of the United States for much longer, having been brought over when the country was colonized.

What is the nutritional value of beets?

Beets are a low-calorie food that has a variety of nutrients that are beneficial for a healthy lifestyle.

Beets are a source of betaine, an antioxidant that helps reduce the chance of cellular degeneration. They are a source of manganese, folate, potassium, and vitamin B2.

This plant-based food help support bone and muscle health and reduce the chance of developing chronic illnesses, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. The potassium in beets can help regulate blood pressure.

Beets have an anti-inflammatory result that helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. Beets can also help improve the levels of protein hemoglobin and reduce the chance of anemia.

In Roman and Greek ancient times, beets were used as an aphrodisiac.

Are beets healthier raw or cooked?

Raw beets do maintain more minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants than cooked beets. Like many vegetables, the longer you cook beets, the more likely you will lose some nutritional value. The best way to maintain the nutrients is by roasting or sautéing the beets for a few minutes.

How are beets grown?

Beets are grown from a seed that is planted in well-prepared soil in full sun. Beets are a cool-season crop that does best when planted in the early spring for an early summer harvest or in the cooler months of late summer. They also do well during the fall season because they survive frost and near-freezing temperatures.

When are beets in season?

Since beets do well in the cooler seasons, you can usually find them in the store in June, September, or October. However, they are also readily available in the store during the winter months.

What to look for when buying beets at the grocery store

When buying beets in a store, look for beets that are free of blemishes and bruises. Medium-sized beets will offer a more tender texture, and larger beets will be more strenuous and challenging to cut.

It’s important to make sure the greens are still attached to the beets when you buy them. The greens on the beets are important because they will help determine the freshness of the beet. They also help maintain the root’s freshness.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for beets via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products.

How to store beets

Beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and sometimes even longer, depending on how fresh they were when you purchased them. Beets can be cut up and canned, pickled, or frozen for later use.

How to tell if beets are bad

The best way to tell if beets have gone bad is to pay attention to their texture. Fresh beets will be firm to the touch, so if they start going soft or are mushy, they have gone bad. You’ll also begin to notice an unpleasant smell, and mold or rot will be another sign they’ve gone bad.

How to prepare beets

Like many root vegetables, beets offer a variety of options for preparing them. The most common way to prepare the roots and leaves is to either roast or sautee them. The roots can be chopped up and enjoyed as a fresh snack. They are commonly added to salads. A popular snack to create with the beets is to puree them and create a hummus to use and enjoy. They can also be used in baking or added to a healthy smoothie.

What can I substitute for beets?

If beets are not available or you’d prefer to try another option for preparing a meal, you’ll need other options. There are a variety of fresh vegetable options that you can use to substitute for beets.

Carrots are a common option to replace beets in a recipe. While they won’t have the same taste, they share a sweetness that will add a crispy complement to a salad when served raw. Carrots can be boiled, steamed, or roasted to add as a side dish.

Red cabbage is a close substitute for beets because they are similar in color. They both offer a similar earthy flavor. However, red cabbage will offer a more peppery taste.

Another root vegetable that can be used in a meal that may call for beets is parsnips. They have similarities to carrots but are still a great option if you need to replace beets in a recipe. If you enjoy some spice in your meals, parsnips are a good option and offer sweetness.

Where to find and buy fresh beets produce

Instacart offers fresh, high-quality beet produce, as well as helpful same-day pick-up or delivery options near you. Use the app to start shopping to add an item. If you select the delivery option, your shopper will leave your order at the door and tell you when it has arrived.