Bull's blood beets are a multipurpose variety of beets grown mostly for their greens. The beets are harvested as a secondary crop. They are also marketed as "Ornamental beets" for their intense red foliage. Baby bull's blood beets are harvested young because the larger beets are not considered fit for culinary use. Most commercial growers cultivate bull's blood beets for both baby leaf and mixed salad leaves. Leaves can be harvested as early as one month after planting.

Baby bull's blood beets are comprised of edible roots, stems and leaves. They are the only red beet variety that has all red roots and leaves. The globular cabernet colored roots are topped by stems the color of rhubarb which flow into the leaves which mimic the color of the roots. The color of the leaves intensifies with the plant's maturity. The roots are tender when young with a rich, earthy sweet flavor. The leaves are also sweet when young, becoming more bittersweet with age.

Nutritional Value

The betalin pigments present in beets have repeatedly been shown to support activity within the body's detoxification process, activating and processing unwanted toxic substances. Beet greens are actually more nutritious than the beets, containing twice the amount of potassium. They are also exceptionally high in beta carotene and folic acid.

Serving Ideas

Bull's blood beets are showcased best when slow-roasted or steamed. They pair well with a wide variety of proteins, spices and other vegetables including cheese, bacon, prosciutto, shallots, eggs, dill, paprika, smoked fish, walnuts, garlic, chives, citrus, hazelnut, pistachio oil and vinegar. They can also be preserved by pickling, which offers an incredible flavor profile while also extending the beets' shelf-life.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

The juice of the bull's blood beets is used to make the only red food coloring allowed by law in Sweden.

Geography/History

Bull's blood beets are variety developed circa 1840 by Kees Sahin in the Netherlands from the French heirloom variety, Crapaudine, considered to be the oldest beet still in existence. Bull's blood beets were originally developed for their foliage. They have been listed in British seed catalogs since the pre-1900's Victorian era. Though considered a cool season crop, bull's blood beets are heat tolerant, allowing for versatile growing regions and seasons throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Seasons/Availability

Bull's blood beets are available year-round.