Red Beet

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. 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. 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.