Beetroot
Beetroot, often simply referred to as beet, is the primary taproot of the plant “Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris”, specifically belonging to the Conditiva Group. This plant is widely recognized as a root vegetable and carries several common names, including table beet, garden beet, or dinner beet. It is also frequently categorized based on its distinctive coloration, such as red beet or golden beet. The species is originally native to a broad geographical range that extends from the Azores and Western Europe across the Mediterranean region and all the way to India. The historical cultivation of beetroot is a fascinating story that starts thousands of years ago, with its origins deeply rooted in the Mediterranean region. Archaeological evidence suggests that the wild ancestor of the modern beet, the sea beet (“Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima”), was consumed by prehistoric people along coastal areas. Initially, however, it was the leaves, not the root, that were primarily valued for both ...
