Compared to other veggies, beetroot is often overlooked, but it is powerhouse vegetable that is affordable and super tasty too.
While pickled beetroot from a jar is great, there are so many other ways to work with the whole vegetable. Beets have also become very popular on fine-dining menus across the world as plant-based healthy eating trends continue to increase.
The Health Benefits Of Beets
Beetroot is packed with vitamin A and iron, and the nitrates help your brain function more optimally. The leaves and roots contain antioxidants that fight cell damage and reduce the risk of heart disease. Beets are among the few vegetables that contain betalains, a powerful antioxidant that gives beetroot its vibrant colour. Betalains reduce inflammation and may help protect against cancer and other diseases.
Just Beet It
Try these five ways to get more beets into your diet:
- Juice It
Blend two roughly chopped beetroots with the juice from two oranges, 100ml water and a handful of ice. Add some ginger for an extra kick.
- Finely Sliced
Add to a salad or make thinly sliced beet carpaccio served with fresh, light greens such as watercress.
- Roast It
Roasting beetroot brings out the sweetness of the vegetable. Wash and quarter your beets, place into a baking pan with a little olive oil and salt, then roast at 180°C for approximately 40 minutes. Add to salads or serve as a side dish with a main meal.
- Beetroot Chips
Set your oven to 180°C. Slice beetroot with a mandolin. Place carefully on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake until crisp (25-30 minutes). Remove chips from the oven and place on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Yum!
- Braai
Wash your beets, cover them in tinfoil tightly and place into braai coals and allow to cook for about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your beets and how hot your fire is. If the fire is too hot, the outside will char. A little bit of charring is okay, but we don’t want to burn the beets,
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