Beets - Vegetable/Fruit Summer Produce

➤ When: Beets are available year-round, but in colder climates they are best in May or June. Look for golden beets (the color of saffron) and Chioggia beets (concentric, candy-striped purple circles appear when the beet is cut). Because the sugar in beets quickly turns to starch, they’re best eaten soon after they’ve been plucked from the earth.

➤ What to Look For: Inspect the greens for freshness. The tops should be a bright color with no yellowing or wilting. Also, the roots should have a firm, fine texture and a regular shape. The small, hairy roots can be easily brushed away.

➤ Why: Beets are rich in RealAge-smart magnesium and potassium.

➤ How to Use: The intense color of beets makes them a beautiful addition to salads. Beets are surprisingly sweet and work well with tangy or salty foods. For example, a tangy vinaigrette offsets the sweetness of beets; so does a crumble of feta or blue cheese. Beets are also used in rice dishes and soup. Try cutting them into cubes and tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper; then roasting them at 400 degrees until crisp and tender (about 30 minutes).

This Tip was published in 'Cooking The RealAge Way, Turn Back Your Biological Clock with More Than 80 Delicious and Easy Recipes (MICHAEL F. ROIZEN, M.D. and JOHN LA PUMA, M.D.) - p177 and p178'