Beetroot : Bietola da Orto Paonazza d'Egitto

Vegetable

• Crops in : July to September
• Ideal for : Children

Description

Ideal for early sowings as they mature quickly, Beetroot Bietola da Orto Paonazza d'Egitto producies unusual flatter roots with deep red flesh and a sweet flavour.

Sowing Instructions

Prepare a seedbed to produce fine tilth, eliminate weeds and incorporate a handful of general fertiliser. To speed seed germination, soak seeds in tepid water overnight before sowing. For earliest crops sow seeds thinly under fleece or cloches in early spring.

For main sowings sow seeds from late March to July, 13mm deep, in rows 30cm apart, placing 3 seeds per station 5cm apart for small roots, 10cm apart for larger roots. Cover seeds lightly with soil, firm gently and water if soil is dry. When seedlings have 2-3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per station, removing the weakest plants.

Aftercare

Continue to water as necessary and keep free of weeds.

Nutritional Information

Beetroot are known to boost the body’s immune system. Roots are rich in potassium, folate and Vitamin C. The tops can be eaten when young like spinach and are rich in beta carotene, calcium and iron.

Kitchen Notes

Serving suggestion - Roasted Beet Crostini. Use medium sized roots, wrap in foil, bake till tender. Cool, peel and dice. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped rosemary. Brush Italian bread slices with olive oil, top with beetroot mixture, grill and serve.