Does the word "beet" conjure up memories of bitter, mushy slices from a can? You're not alone! Many people grew up disliking beets, only to discover later in life that fresh, homegrown varieties are a completely different experience. In fact, there are numerous types of beets that offer sweet, mild, and even earthy flavors that can transform your perception of this misunderstood root vegetable.
In this expert guide, we’ll explore the most popular and flavorful beet varieties, ideal for both beet lovers and skeptics alike. Whether you're looking to grow your own or simply want to know which types to buy, this article will walk you through the best options, their taste profiles, ideal growing conditions, and culinary uses.
Why Grow Beets?
Before diving into the varieties, let’s address why growing beets is worth your time:
Nutritional Powerhouse: Beets are rich in fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.
Dual Harvest: You can eat both the root and the greens.
Cold Hardy: Most varieties tolerate frost and grow well in cooler climates.
Fast Growing: Some cultivars mature in as little as 45 days.
Versatile in the Kitchen: From roasting to pickling, beets adapt to many dishes.
Best Types of Beets to Grow and Eat
1. Baby Beets
Not a distinct variety, but rather young beets harvested early. Think of them like baby carrots—tender, sweet, and perfect for roasting whole.
Highlights: Bite-sized and quick to cook, tender greens ideal for salads, great for thinning your beet patch.
Best Cultivar for Baby Beets: Robin Beets
2. Robin Beets
A fast-growing, container-friendly variety that’s sweet and crunchy whether harvested early or mature.
Taste: Sweet, tender, and slightly crunchy
Best Uses: Raw, roasted, canned
Color: Deep red
Maturity: 45–60 days
Ideal For: Containers, raised beds
3. Bull’s Blood Beets
A French heirloom variety grown more for its stunning maroon leaves than the root.
Taste: Sweet, slightly earthy (not bitter)
Best Uses: Salads, sautéed greens, pickling
Color: Deep red root, purple leaves
Maturity: 50–60 days
4. Detroit Dark Red Beets
One of the most common beets in grocery stores, but much sweeter when homegrown.
Taste: Mild, sweet, tender
Best Uses: Canning, roasting, salads
Color: Deep blood red
Maturity: 55–60 days
5. Golden Boy Beets
A top choice for beet haters. These golden beauties are mild, sweet, and don’t stain your hands.
Taste: Milder, sweeter than red beets
Best Uses: Salads, roasted with balsamic glaze
Color: Golden-orange
Maturity: 65–70 days
6. Touchstone Gold Beets
A hybrid golden beet with high germination rates and vibrant color.
Taste: Sweet, mild, less earthy
Best Uses: Stir-fries, salads, roasting
Color: Bright yellow flesh
7. Early Wonder Beets
Also known as Boston Crosby or Nuttings Gem. These are fast-growing and thrive in cool soils.
Taste: Sweet with slightly spicy greens
Best Uses: Roasted, sautéed, salads
Color: Deep red root, green tops with red stems
Maturity: 48–55 days
8. Chioggia Beets (Candy Cane Beets)
An Italian heirloom with stunning pink and white rings inside.
Taste: Earthy and sweet
Best Uses: Pickling, roasting, steaming
Color: Pinkish root with concentric rings
9. Sugar Beets
Not for salads, but essential for sugar production. These have nearly 3x the sugar of red beets.
Taste: Extremely sweet
Other Notable Beet Varieties
🔴 Other Red Beets: Boro, Formanova (Cylinder Beet), Merlin, Lutz Green Leaf, Red Ace, Moulin Rouge, Ruby Queen
🟡 Other Golden Beets: Boldor, Golden Detroit, Mangold, Burpee’s Golden
⚪ White Beets: Avalanche, White Detroit
Best Beets for Different Culinary Uses
Roasting: Robin, Golden Boy, Early Wonder
Salads: Bull’s Blood (greens), Touchstone Gold, Chioggia
Pickling: Chioggia, Bull’s Blood
Stir-Fries: Touchstone Gold (leaves), Early Wonder (leaves)
Growing Tips for Beets
Soil: Loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter
Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Spacing: Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart
Harvesting: Pick greens early; roots when 1–3 inches in diameter
FAQ – Types of Beets
What are the different types of beets? Red, golden, and white varieties.
What are the best beets for beginners? Robin Beets and Early Wonder.
Which beets are the sweetest? Golden Boy and Touchstone Gold.
What type of beet is best for greens? Bull’s Blood and Early Wonder.
Are beets good for you? Yes, they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Giving Beets A Second Chance
If you’ve sworn off beets because of childhood trauma, it’s time to give them another chance. From sweet golden varieties to tender baby beets, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re growing them in containers or raised beds, beets are a rewarding crop that offers both culinary and nutritional value.
Ready to start growing? Check out the full guide on Types of Beets and transform your garden—and your taste buds.
Related Reading:
"Growing Guide: Beets" (Seed Savers Exchange)
https://seedsavers.org/grow-beet/seedsavers
Sisters of the Soil – Summer Soul Garden:
"Summer Soul Garden: Growing Beets"
https://www.sistersofthesoil.life/summer-soul-garden-growing-beets/
Written with a cultural perspective, this post describes when and how to plant, plus clear instructions for thinning beet seedlings.sistersofthesoilSisters of the Soil: Specific advice on why and how to thin beet seedlings.sistersofthesoil
Beet Gardening: How to Plant, Grow amd Harvest Beets https://www.blackgirlsgardeningincontainers.com/post/beet-gardening-how-to-plant-grow-and-harvest-beets
Citation: Vegtotable
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