Beetroot is a red root vegetable rich in vitamins of groups A, C, B, B9, PP and microelements: calcium, potassium, iron, iodine. Beets are very beneficial for the digestive system. It is believed that this vegetable prevents the appearance of cancer cells.
Instructions
Step 1
Beets are known for three types: sugar, fodder and common. Sugar beets are mainly grown on an industrial scale to produce the well-known sweet substance. Beetroot is an inexpensive and nutritious food for livestock. As a rule, connoisseurs of vegetable dishes eat ordinary beets. Oddly enough, on the shelves of stores, among ordinary beets, you can also find fodder. It can be distinguished by its large size and light color. This type of root vegetable contains more fiber, so it is tougher.
Step 2
Ordinary (table) beets also reach large sizes, but such giants can be found in the store only in the fall, since large beets are poorly stored and do not last until spring.
Step 3
Edible beets should be firm and even. Check the skin of the root vegetable: there should be no cracks, warts, or cuts on it. Do not buy beets if they have started to rot or have softened a little where they were on the counter.
Step 4
If there are a lot of leaves and roots on the surface of the root vegetable, most likely such a vegetable was stored improperly or was collected from the fields.
Step 5
A healthy beetroot fruit should grow uniformly over its entire surface: smooth and even, without kinks, bends, dents or raised spots. Some varieties of beets are elongated and resemble thick carrots. They should also be flat and gradually taper towards the root.
Step 6
Before cooking, cut the beets and look at the root vegetable "from the inside". It should be homogeneous, without empty spaces and neoplasms. If the vegetable has hard black spots, it is best not to use it for food. Throw away the beets if they start to rot on at least one side. Harmful bacteria can be invisible in "healthy" areas of the plant.
Step 7
If you buy vegetables from familiar summer residents or farmers, buy beets with leaves in the fall if they have not been treated with chemical fertilizers. Check the tops for integrity and freshness. It can be used in soups.
