I like produce. I like to grow it. I like to eat it. I like to create recipes with it. I’m also kind of a nerd and like to get to know my produce. I like learning new or fun tidbits of info about the produce I’m growing/eating/baking. If you’re a weirdo like me then buckle up for this new series as I dive into a plethora of produce facts and share them with you. Here we go:
1. When beets were first grown {way back in 800 BC!}, the Greeks used just the leaves of the plant for medicine and cooking but did not use the beet itself!
2. Some cultures believed that falling in love was considered a result of a couple eating from the same beetroot. No cupid necessary!
3. In the 16th century, beets were given as a “blood builder” to people who were pale or looked run down. At the time, doctors didn’t really know why it worked, but we now know that the high iron content in raw beets can be helpful for people who suffer from anemia and fatigue. Beets also contain betaine, a substance that relaxes the mind and is used in other forms to help treat depression.
4. Since the 16th century, beet juice has been used as a natural red dye. It was even used as a hair dye!
5. Need a little energy when exercising? Eat beets! The nitrates in beets help your blood carry more oxygen and help your blood cells work more efficiently.
6. A lot of nutritionists use beets and beet juice to test your levels of stomach acid. If you consume beets and your urine turns pink, you have low stomach acid. If your urine is still clear, it means that you have high levels of stomach acid.
7. In Australia, pickled beets are commonly put on hamburgers. The US is starting to see this trend at fancy hamburger joints.
8. Wanna get rid of garlic breath? Drink raw beet juice or eat raw beets.
9. Beet juice is sometimes used as a hangover cure because it’s filled with nutritional benefits that eliminate toxins from alcohol consumption.
10. It is believed that nightly scalp massages with the cooled water from boiled beets is an effective cure for dandruff.
Had you heard any of those fun facts before? Do you have any of your own to add? Is there a particular produce item you’re just dying to know more about? I take requests!
Grow on,
Mavis
Wendy M says
I’m surprised you didn’t include a recipe for Harvard beets, which are a New England dish but not from Harvard. 🙂 Have you ever had them? I grew up in Ohio and my Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother used to make them for me. Maybe it was something she learned to fix during the depression. I’ll never know. I haven’t had them since I was a kid but they are quite good.
https://newengland.com/today/food/main-dishes/new-england-food/harvard-beets/
Kari says
My new favorite way of serving beets, as learned on World’s healthiest Foods: Quarter, steam, and slip skins, then top with EVOO, minced fresh garlic, salt and chopped fresh basil. Both beets, garlic and basil are about ready in the garden!
Linda says
what is EVOO?
Mary says
EVOO Extra virgin olive oil
Rebeccah B. says
My Mammaw canned a lot of pickled beets during the summer when I would stay with her, and I was so turned off by the smell of vinegar that I didn’t try them until adulthood. I missed out!
I like to dice beets along with carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, and whatever other veggies we have on hand, toss with oil, salt and pepper, and other spices and roast in the oven. It makes a delicious side dish and leftovers can be added with goat cheese to a wrap for a yummy lunch. Can’t beet it!
Tracy says
I so wish I liked beets. They’re so easy to grow, easy to prepare and are so…pretty! But I can’t stand them. Sigh…
Cindy Howard says
Keep trying! Our tastebuds change every 7 years or so, or so I read somewhere once!
Robin says
My youngest daughter was born with Spina Bifida. Sometimes, she could look pretty run-down. I bought and studied a Nutrition Almanac and eventually came up with a vegetable juice concoction. The main ingredient was beets, then some celery, carrots, a small amount of parsley, and then an apple or two (for flavor). Two glasses a day for two or three days always helped her snap back. At one point everyone was drinking this beet juice cocktail and feeling better for it. Beets are the Bomb!
Sharon says
Wondering how many others have this dilemma? I can eat beets cooked (any way), but just a bite or two of a raw one & my throat immediately becomes EXTREMELY sore & the soreness lasts for hours.