Sweet Beets

I had planted two sorts of beetroot and tried them today lightly steamed. The beetroot "Early Wonder" is from Eden Seeds and the "Chioggia" is from The Digger's Club. I probably didn't quite give them enough food or water, but they had the same soil conditions, so it was an interesting experiment.

The "Chioggia" was much sweeter and very delicious and is very beautiful with its distinct pink and white rings. It's an heirloom beet and according to the "Growing your own Heirloom Vegetables" book from The Digger's Club it has really high yields. They do look nice together though because the rich red contrasts the pretty rings of the Chioggia. And they are the first beets I've ever grown, so it was exciting to taste them. I suspect they were both a little bitter, only the chioggia is so sweet that I couldn't tell.

I did a quick search on the 'net and found some tips for growing sweet beets.

Basically you grow 'em QUICK with lots of water, liquid food and potash and make sure the soil is a bit alkaline (add lime) and not too freshly manured. And pick 'em when they're young - the size of a golf ball - this way they will have the most sugars and taste yummy!