Description/Taste
Gold beets are medium to large in size and are globular to round with a slightly flattened, irregular shape. The roots are connected to long and crisp, leafy green stems that are also edible and have a flavor similar to spinach and swiss chard. The root’s skin is semi-rough, covered in marks, russet, and scratches, and ranges in color from a deep orange to a mixture of gold, brown, and pale yellow. The skin is also firm with many small hairs covering the surface. Underneath the skin, the flesh is a bright yellow to gold, dense, and aqueous with pale concentric rings. When raw, Gold beets are crunchy, and when cooked, they develop a tender, smooth consistency with a very mild and sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Gold beets are available year-round, with a peak season in the spring.
Current Facts
Gold beets, botanically classified as Beta vulgaris, are underground, edible roots that grow broad, green leaves and are members of the Amaranthaceae family. Also known under the Common beet and Garden beet name, there are several varieties of Gold beets with Touchstone Gold being one of the most popular cultivars along with Boldor and Golden Detriot. While still relatively unknown compared to their red counterparts, Gold beets are cultivated on a small commercial scale as a table variety and are also favored by home gardeners for their mild flavor and bright color. Gold beets are believed to have a smoother texture and a sweeter taste than red beet varieties and are increasing in popularity as consumers are being exposed to a greater number of beet varieties through the search for healthy foods.
Nutritional Value
Gold beets are an excellent source of folate, manganese, beta-carotene, and are a very good source of potassium, copper, and fiber. They also contain magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins B6 and C, and iron.
Applications
Gold beets can be consumed raw and are popularly shaved, shredded, julienned, or spiralized into salads, slaws, and soups. They can also be pickled for extended use, pureed for sauces, or blended into smoothies. When utilized in cooked preparations, Gold beets can be steamed with lemon juice, roasted for a caramelized consistency, or sliced and baked into thin chips. It is important to note that the skin should be removed before eating and is easily peeled once cooked. Gold beets may also be used as a red beet substitute is some recipes. In addition to the roots, Gold beet leaves are edible and are lightly sautéed, served as a side dish, layered undercooked meats, or tossed into a salad. Gold beets pair well with cheeses such as goat, feta, and manchego, meats such as poultry, fish, and bacon, apples, fennel, herbs such as dill, parsley, and mint, citrus, potatoes, shallots, vinegar, and walnuts. The roots will keep 2-3 weeks with the leaves removed and stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, and up to one week when stored with the tops still attached. The green leaves will only keep 1-2 days once removed from the roots and stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
