Beet and Greens

Notice I said beet and not beets?  That's because our garden decided to bestow upon us one gorgeous beet!

Not bad for our first attempt in this desert climate!

Health benefits of beets:
Antioxidant
Anti inflammatory
Supports detoxification
Anti cancer
Fiber related benefits

Look at the beautiful greens..

The greens are incredibly rich in nutrients; concentrated in vitamins and minerals as well as carotenoids such as beta carotene and lutein

We can't believe how long the greens have lasted in this consistent 107-115 degree weather!

History

The wild beet, the ancestor of the beet with which we are familiar today, is thought to have originated in prehistoric times in North Africa and grew wild along Asian and European seashores. In these earlier times, people exclusively ate the beet greens and not the roots. The ancient Romans were one of the first civilizations to cultivate beets to use their roots as food. The tribes that invaded Rome were responsible for spreading beets throughout northern Europe where they were first used for animal fodder and later for human consumption, becoming more popular in the 16th century.
Beets' value grew in the 19th century when it was discovered that they were a concentrated source of sugar, and the first sugar factory was built in Poland. When access to sugar cane was restricted by the British, Napoleon decreed that the beet be used as the primary source of sugar, catalyzing its popularity. Around this time, beets were also first brought to the United States, where they now flourish. Today the leading commercial producers of beets include the United States, the Russian Federation, France, Poland,  and Germany.