09.05.08
The Beat On Beets
You’re all about the new fall fashion trends (purple accessories, boyfriend jeans, navy nails), but do you know what veggie is sooo in season? Beets! Considered “the new spinach,” their all-star nutritional content is hard to beat (sorry, we had to). Still wary? Check out the 411 on why you should treat yourself to beets this fall:
Beets Back In The Day: Eons ago, the Romans knew about beets’ magical powers since they used beetroot as a treatment for fevers and constipation, chugging its juice to stay sexy (beets are a rich source of boron, which plays an important role in the production of human s*ex hormones). Oooh-la-la!
Beets Health Bennies: These days, we know beets rival spinach as the “go to” veggie since they’re packed with nutritional goodies like potassium, folate, manganese and antioxidants (meaning they fight heart disease, cancer, birth defects and even reduce inflammation).
When Buyin’ Beets: Beets are in peak season through October so go foraging and look for small or medium sized ones that are firm, smooth-skinned (no bruises) and deeply colored. If you store them unwashed in the fridge with greens attached (trimmed to one inch), they’ll keep for up to two weeks.
Their Color Can’t Be Beat: Since their dark color can stain just about anything (your hands, the kitchen counter), wear gloves when preparing and wash beets gently under cool running water while peeling. If stains do happen, lemon juice is your friend.
Cooking 101: Most importantly, don’t overcook beets or you’ll kill their anti-cancer properties. Since beets have an earthy flavor, they’re perfect for roasting and adding to salads, like this Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with Sherry Walnut Vinaigrette from Whole Foods.
Beets Back In The Day: Eons ago, the Romans knew about beets’ magical powers since they used beetroot as a treatment for fevers and constipation, chugging its juice to stay sexy (beets are a rich source of boron, which plays an important role in the production of human s*ex hormones). Oooh-la-la!
Beets Health Bennies: These days, we know beets rival spinach as the “go to” veggie since they’re packed with nutritional goodies like potassium, folate, manganese and antioxidants (meaning they fight heart disease, cancer, birth defects and even reduce inflammation).
When Buyin’ Beets: Beets are in peak season through October so go foraging and look for small or medium sized ones that are firm, smooth-skinned (no bruises) and deeply colored. If you store them unwashed in the fridge with greens attached (trimmed to one inch), they’ll keep for up to two weeks.
Their Color Can’t Be Beat: Since their dark color can stain just about anything (your hands, the kitchen counter), wear gloves when preparing and wash beets gently under cool running water while peeling. If stains do happen, lemon juice is your friend.
Cooking 101: Most importantly, don’t overcook beets or you’ll kill their anti-cancer properties. Since beets have an earthy flavor, they’re perfect for roasting and adding to salads, like this Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad with Sherry Walnut Vinaigrette from Whole Foods.
