Many people are of the belief that Beetroot is good for the blood. This is not correct.
Of course beetroot is good for you it is not high in iron so it will
not help prevent anaemia, which many believe it will do. Beetroot's main
benefits are that it contains no fat, very few calories and is a great
source of fibre.
Beetroot has for many years been used as a treatment for cancer in
Europe. Specific anti-carcinogens are bound to the red colouring matter
which supposedly helps fight against cancer and beetroot also increases
the uptake of oxygen by as much as 400 percent. Additional studies are
taking place to add support to these claims. The green leafy part of the
beetroot is also of nutritional value containing beta-carotene and
other carotenoids,( Carotenoid refers to plant pigments - of which there
is a family of about 600 different types. These all function as
antioxidants. The yellow, orange, and many of the red pigments in
fruits, vegetables, and plant materials are usually carotenoids.) This
part of the beet also contains lots of folate, iron, potassium and some
vitamin C. The roots and greens therefore are great for women in general
and for those planning pregnancy. Try eating the leaves and stalk
boiled or steam and accompany with other more flavorsome vegies like
onions and garlic. Or chop finely and add to quiches or stir-fries.
Fresh beetroot
Beetroot can be eaten raw. You just need to peel it and it's ready to use. Beetroot can add a refreshing touch to a salad, a sandwich (try it with cheese!) or as an accompaniment to other vegies...
Beetroot can be eaten raw. You just need to peel it and it's ready to use. Beetroot can add a refreshing touch to a salad, a sandwich (try it with cheese!) or as an accompaniment to other vegies...
Try:
•grating it finely to add to other vegetables
•mix grated beetroot with raspberry vinegar
•mix grated beetroot, grated orange rind and orange juice
•plain grated beetroot is great on hamburgers
•grating it finely to add to other vegetables
•mix grated beetroot with raspberry vinegar
•mix grated beetroot, grated orange rind and orange juice
•plain grated beetroot is great on hamburgers
Cooked beetroot
Usually when you buy fresh beetroot it will still have the leaves and stalks attached. To cook the beetroot simply cut off the stalks but make sure you leave some of the stalk in tact. By doing this it will help to stop the beetroot from losing it's color when you cook it and helps to hold in the nutrients.
Usually when you buy fresh beetroot it will still have the leaves and stalks attached. To cook the beetroot simply cut off the stalks but make sure you leave some of the stalk in tact. By doing this it will help to stop the beetroot from losing it's color when you cook it and helps to hold in the nutrients.
Beetroot can be steamed or cooked in boiling water. Cooking time can
be from 20 to 50 minutes depending on the size of the beetroot. Test the
beetroot with a skewer: when it's soft, remove it from the heat and
cool it under running water - this will make the skin easier to remove
for serving.
You can serve cooked beetroot:
as a hot vegetable accompaniment to a meal; or
allow it to cool and slice it to put on a homemade burger.
Cut into cubes and stir-fry it with some steamed cubed potatoes and pumpkin. Add a little garlic and some diced onions – this makes a delicious vegetable dish to serve with the rest of your meal.
as a hot vegetable accompaniment to a meal; or
allow it to cool and slice it to put on a homemade burger.
Cut into cubes and stir-fry it with some steamed cubed potatoes and pumpkin. Add a little garlic and some diced onions – this makes a delicious vegetable dish to serve with the rest of your meal.