Buffman and Gram's Veggies for Vitality: Beets

As many of you know Allen, Sterling & Lothrop's fourth generation has been getting more and more involved in the business.  You may have met Jenn's (AS&L's seed room manager) daughter Nadia running the front with her grandmother Shirley or  you may have had one of Shawn's boys help you with a Christmas tree.

This year Buffman (Shawn's middle son) has joined forces with his grandmother, Shirley, to bring you their thoughts on the healthiest vegetable's you can grow.  They consulted Shirley's vast knowledge of gardening and nutrition and  www.whfoods.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Beets are one of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat. They are high in fiber, iron

and antioxidants. Like all dark leafy greens, beet greens are also nutritious—and very delicious.  When you “thin” your beet rows be-sure to cook and eat your thinnings for a special treat.

(What is thinning? When your beet plants are about 5-6” tall pull out some of the plants so that you leave 2-3” of space in between—this helps to ensure well formed, good sized beets---for more info on beet varieties)   

Beets have a way of pushing themselves out of the ground during the growing season, so it is a good idea to hoe the dirt up around them during the season.

Beets make a tasty side dish. When cooking beats you can peel them before or after cooking, but it’s good to note that they peel much more easily after they have been cooked. You can eat them warm with butter, cold as a condiment, or peeled, shredded raw, and then eaten as a salad. They can also be pickled.