Beets are packed with nutrients and their uses are much more versatile than simply being served in a salad with goat cheese.

The most popular types of beets we see and consume are red and golden. If you are not a big fan of the red root’s taste, give its brighter cousin a try as they tend to be sweeter and less earthy. Chioggia is another type worth exploring. It may not be in stock at your local grocery store but you can still find this gorgeous Italian variation at places such as Specialty Produce. Its eye-catching white and pink interior rings will make any dish a showstopper. San Diego Seed Company sells seeds for several varieties if you are interested in growing your own beets. 

Specialty Produce has Chioggia, Red, and Golden Beets in stock. They even list which restaurants are currently utilizing them in their menus.

Nutritional Profile of Beets

  • Great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.
  • May help lower blood pressure. Beets are high in nitrates. Our bodies convert nitrate into nitrite oxide, a molecule which helps widen blood vessels, allowing blood, nutrients and oxygen to circulate throughout our bodies.
  • Contain betalains, phytonutrients that give beets their vibrant red color (Golden beets contain vulgaxanthin). Betalains are considered a natural antioxidant which help decrease inflammation.
San Diego Seed Company
SoulMuch makes their beet cookie from upcycled beets and cocoa.
San Diego Seed Company
SoulMuch makes their beet cookie from upcycled beets and cocoa.

Beyond the Beet Salad: Local Beet Dishes in San Diego

This unique latte from Pop Pie Co. can be made iced or hot.
Olivia Hayo marinates beets overnight to tenderize them for this twist on carpaccio.
This unique latte from Pop Pie Co. can be made iced or hot.
Olivia Hayo marinates beets overnight to tenderize them for this twist on carpaccio.
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Trisha Weinberg
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