Beets are considered root crops and they are very easy to
grow. In Texas they grow very well during cooler seasons like most root
vegetables. Beets are a very productive crop because you can eat, and use both
the beet tops (beet greens/leaves) and the actual beet (the root). Before the
root is large enough for harvest, you can snap off the beet greens/leaves to eat. The beet leaves will reproduce while the beet (root) continues to
grow. Therefore, you can eat from each beet more than once.
Since beets are a cool season crop, we will be picking our
remaining beets throughout the month of May in order to prepare for other
summer crops such as sweet potatoes.
The nutritional benefits of beets are astounding! Beets have
been proven to protect against cancer and prevent birth defects in newborns. In
some countries beet juice alone is used as a treatment for cancer. Beets are
also a natural source of a high amount of Vitamin B (Folate). Folates are
beneficial to pregnant women because it is necessary for the critical development
of the fetus. The deep colors of beets come from a compound named betacyanin, which has been noted by
scientists as a tumor-fighting agent. In
comparison to lean beef, beets can provide similar amounts of iron and can help
prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Raw beets are high in
carbohydrates and low in calories, which mean they are a natural energy boost.
Beets also contain high volumes of phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium,
iron, potassium, fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and biotin. Biotin (commonly
referred to as Vitamin H) helps to convert food into fuel. It is also
recommended to help strengthen hair, nails, and skin.
If beets are this beneficial, shouldn’t you be eating more
of them??? Come by The Living Grocery Store (MGLG) for your fresh beets during
the month of May to improve your health and satisfy your taste buds. The Living
Grocery Store is open every Sunday at 11am – 2pm., 5317 M. L. King Blvd.
Houston, TX 77021.
In
addition to Kale, Red Clover is another crop that is currently abundant in the
MGLG. Red Clover is a blood purifying herb with special benefits for women. Red
Clover has been scientifically proven to decrease the symptoms of PMS and
menopause. The herb has also been proven to decrease the chance of breast and
prostate cancer. More information about Red Clover can be found here.
All these medicinal benefits and Red Clover makes a smooth and refreshing tea.
Red Clover Tea will be available for tasting.
