Baby white beets AKA Albino beets are members of the Chenopodiaceae family, along with chard, spinach and quinoa. White beets are multipurpose varieties. Large white beet varieties, also known as field beets are cultivated for livestock feed, animals foraging both the greens and roots. Some white beet varieties are planted in their gardens for their leaves alone. Larger white beet varieties, such as the Geante Blanche, store well and are used as cellar vegetables. They are harvested young as a table beet and they are also used to make sugar. Baby white beet varieties do not have the same storage qualities. They should be used shortly after harvest.

Baby white beets lack the commomly earthy, strong beet flavor that colored beets embody. They also lack the betalain pigments that colored varieties possess. What baby white beets do have is a high level of sweetness as beets have the highest amount of natural sugars of all vegetables. The beets are comprised of a round tapered white root with pale green shoulders, crunchy midribs and wavy broad green leaves. The root is sweet, nutty and smooth in flavor while the greens are tender and succulent with a tendency toward bitterness as they mature.

Serving Ideas

Baby white beets can be used in place of any other beet recipe. Baby white beets can be used as a salad ingredient alongside greens, especially creamy lettuces and bright herbs such as dill and tarragon. Beets pair well with creamy dressings and vinaigrettes, bacon, smoked fish, hard cooked eggs, chèvre, turnips, green beans, basil, radishes, parsley, chives, walnuts, hazelnuts, sausages, citrus, apples and tomatoes. Their flavor and texture is best enhanced by roasting or steaming. The skin should be peeled, which is easiest after it has cooked, as it simply slips away from its flesh. Baby beets will keep, refrigerated, for up to a week or longer if their tops are removed. Use young beet greens as a salad green or simply sauté as you would spinach or kale.

Geography/History

All cultivated beets are descendents of the sea beet (B. maritima), a wild seashore plant found growing along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe and North Africa. Most white beet varieties find their origins in Germany, Holland and Switzerland. Varieties can be distinguished by early growing or late growing. The early varieties will produce young tender beets and greens in the late Spring, while the late growing varieties are considered those that can be sown in late summer or early Fall to be used through Winter and stored for use as needed.

Seasons/Availability

Beets are available from McGrath farms during the winter ans spring months.