Few vegetables are as vibrant—or as misunderstood—as the humble beet. Known for its deep ruby color, earthy sweetness, and impressive nutritional profile, the beet has been nourishing people for thousands of years. Whether you're harvesting fresh beets from your garden, picking them up at a local farm stand, or finding them in your CSA share, beets are one of the most versatile vegetables you can enjoy.

From roasting and grilling to pickling, blending into smoothies, or even making bright pink hummus, beets offer endless possibilities in the kitchen. Better yet, both the roots and the leafy greens are edible, making beets one of the least wasteful vegetables you can buy.

Let's dig into everything you need to know about this remarkable root vegetable.

A Brief History of Beets

Beets have one of the longest histories of any cultivated vegetable. Their wild ancestors grew naturally along the Mediterranean coast over 4,000 years ago. Early civilizations—including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans—first prized the leafy greens, while the roots were smaller, tougher, and less sweet than today's varieties.

By the Middle Ages, selective breeding transformed beets into the plump, flavorful roots we recognize today. Farmers eventually developed several distinct types:

Table beets (the red beets we eat)
Golden beets
Chioggia (candy-striped) beets
Sugar beets (grown for sugar production)
Fodder beets (grown as livestock feed)

Today, beets are grown throughout North America and are especially popular in home gardens and local farms because they're productive, easy to grow, and store exceptionally well.

What Makes Beets So Special?

Beets are technically a root vegetable, but they're unique because every part of the plant is edible.

The Root

Sweet and earthy flavor
Rich in antioxidants
Excellent roasted, steamed, grilled, or raw

The Greens

Taste similar to Swiss chard or spinach
Packed with vitamins
Delicious sautéed, blended into pesto, or added to soups

Buying beets with their greens attached gives you two vegetables in one.

Health Benefits of Beets

Beets have earned a reputation as one of nature's superfoods—and for good reason.

Naturally Rich in Nitrates

Beets contain naturally occurring nitrates that the body converts into nitric oxide. This helps:

Improve blood flow
Support healthy blood pressure
Increase endurance during exercise
Deliver oxygen more efficiently throughout the body

That's why beet juice has become popular among runners, cyclists, and endurance athletes.

Excellent Source of Fiber

One serving provides valuable dietary fiber that helps:

Support digestion
Promote gut health
Keep you feeling full longer
Help maintain healthy cholesterol levels

Packed with Essential Nutrients

Fresh beets contain:

Folate
Potassium
Vitamin C
Manganese
Iron
Magnesium

Rich in Antioxidants

The beautiful red color comes from pigments called betalains, powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall health.

Golden beets contain different pigments but provide many of the same nutritional benefits.

When Are Beets in Season?

One of the wonderful things about beets is their long growing season.

In Massachusetts and much of New England:

Spring planting begins in April
Early harvest starts in June
Peak season runs from July through October
Fall harvest often continues until the first hard frost

Because they store so well, locally grown beets are often available well into winter.

How to Grow Beets

Beets are one of the easiest vegetables for beginning gardeners.

Choose a Sunny Location

Beets grow best in:

Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
Loose, well-drained soil
Soil rich in organic matter

Avoid rocky or compacted soil, which can produce misshapen roots.

Planting

Sow seeds directly into the garden.

Plant ½ inch deep
Space seeds 1–2 inches apart
Keep rows about 12 inches apart

Beet "seeds" actually contain multiple embryos, so you'll usually need to thin seedlings once they emerge.

Watering

Consistent moisture helps produce sweet, tender roots.

Aim for approximately one inch of water each week.

Avoid letting soil dry out completely.

Harvesting

Most beets are ready in:

50–70 days after planting

Smaller beets (2–3 inches wide) tend to be sweeter and more tender than oversized roots.

Harvest greens while they're young and fresh.

Popular Varieties of Beets

Red Beets

The classic deep-red variety with sweet, earthy flavor.

Best for:

Roasting
Pickling
Juicing

Golden Beets

Bright yellow-orange flesh with a milder flavor.

Best for:

Salads
Roasting
Grilling

Bonus: They don't stain your hands!

Chioggia Beets

Sometimes called "Candy Cane Beets."

When sliced, they reveal beautiful pink-and-white rings.

Best served roasted or raw.

How to Store Fresh Beets

Proper storage keeps beets fresh for weeks.

Step 1

Cut off the greens, leaving about one inch of stem attached.

Step 2

Store greens separately in the refrigerator.

Use within 2–4 days.

Step 3

Store roots in the refrigerator inside a perforated plastic bag or reusable produce bag.

Fresh beets can last 2–4 weeks when stored properly.

Easy Ways to Prepare Fresh Beets

Many people only think of canned pickled beets, but fresh beets are incredibly versatile.

Roast Them

Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast at 400°F for about 40–50 minutes until fork tender.

Grill Them

Slice cooked beets and finish on the grill for smoky flavor.

Pickle Them

A classic favorite that keeps for weeks in the refrigerator.

Shred Them Raw

Add grated beets to salads, slaws, and wraps for crunch and color.

Blend Them

Perfect in:

Smoothies
Soups
Hummus
Dips

Air Fry Them

Make crispy beet chips with just a little olive oil.

Don't Forget the Beet Greens!

The greens may be the most overlooked part of the plant.

Try them:

Sautéed with garlic
Stirred into soups
Added to omelets
Mixed into pasta
Blended into pesto
Tossed into grain bowls

They're rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.

Creative Beet Recipes to Try

Fresh beets shine in countless recipes, including:

Beet Hummus
Roasted Beet & Peach Salad
Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread
Beet Tzatziki
Beet Smoothies
Beet & Sweet Potato Fritters
Chocolate Beet Brownies
Beet Pesto Pasta
Honey-Lime Roasted Beet Bowls
Pickled Beet & Cucumber Salad

Why Buy Local Beets?

Freshly harvested local beets often taste sweeter and have a firmer texture than those that have traveled long distances.

When you purchase beets from your local farm, you're getting produce harvested at peak freshness while supporting local agriculture and the farmers who grow your food.

At Nourse Farm, we love sharing fresh seasonal vegetables that inspire families to cook, experiment, and enjoy healthy meals together. Whether you roast them for dinner, blend them into a colorful hummus, or sauté the nutritious greens, beets prove that one humble vegetable can offer incredible flavor, nutrition, and versatility.

So next time you spot fresh beets in the farm store or your CSA share, take them home—and discover why this colorful root has been nourishing people for thousands of years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are beets healthy?

Yes. Beets are rich in fiber, folate, potassium, antioxidants, and naturally occurring nitrates that support heart health and circulation.

Can you eat beet greens?

Absolutely. Beet greens are completely edible and can be cooked much like spinach or Swiss chard.

What's the difference between red and golden beets?

Red beets have a stronger earthy flavor and deep red color, while golden beets are milder, sweeter, and don't stain when prepared.

How long do fresh beets last?

Trimmed beet roots can stay fresh in the refrigerator for two to four weeks. Beet greens should be used within a few days.

Do you have to peel beets?

Not necessarily. Once cooked, the skins slip off easily, and young, tender beets can even be enjoyed with the skin on after a good scrub.

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