Beets are chock full of betaine, which supports healthy blood vessels and healthy liver function. Beets also contain the important nutrients folate and potassium. Beets can be prepared a variety of ways, whether it’s baking, boiling, steaming, or shredded raw and loaded on fresh salads. They are delicious no matter how they are made! Beet leaves are also very high in all types of nutrients and are great for fresh salads, added to shakes, or juiced. The leaves are higher in nutrients than the root and contain nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Unsure how to prepare beets? Here are three ways how to incorporate them into your meals!
Beet Protein Shake
1 beet with leaves, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 apple, chopped
8 oz. water or unsweetened non-dairy milk of your choice
1-2 scoops protein powder
Ice as needed
Add all ingredients to blender and mix well.
Roasted Root Vegetables
1 pound beets, chopped
1 butternut squash, peeled and seeded, chopped
1 large sweet potato, peeled, chopped
1 large parsnip, peeled, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
½ red onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped or whole
3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 425 F. Placed all chopped vegetables into a large
bowl with garlic, thyme leaves, and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread vegetables out evenly on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Place vegetables in the oven
and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through
baking, until vegetables are tender and starting to turn golden.
Beet & Citrus Salad
1 large or 2 small beets roasted, peeled and diced
(Di Chioggia)
1 red grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
1 orange, peeled and sectioned
Arugula
Lemon
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh mint leaves- optional
Arrange arugula on bottom of bowl or plate, place beets, orange, and grapefruit on top of greens.
Sprinkle with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish salad with sprinkles of fresh cut mint leaves.
**Note: There are many varieties and types of beets. Take advantage of trying the many options available at your market. We used Di Chioggia beets for our amazing recipe!!
