Description
Crimson Globe, Detroit Dark Red
Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kandy
Although unclear as to their exact region of origin, beetroot remains have been excavated in the 3rd Dynasty Saqqara Pyramid in Egypt. Four charred beet fruits were also found in the Neolithic site of Aartswoud in the Netherlands.
Sweet
Studies show that drinking beet juice can help lower blood pressure in a matter of hours. Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress. It is also known to help fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, enhance performance, and likely help prevent numerous chronic diseases. The phytonutrients that give beets their deep crimson colour may help combat cancer. Beets also contain the B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.
A legend dating back thousands of years! An Assyrian text from 800 BCE mentions that beetroot plants were grown in the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon. They were offered to Apollo the Sun God and in the Temple of Delphi by the Greeks!
Besides their obvious use as food, beets have also been used as food colouring and medicinal plants.
