Beet

Often, people are overwhelmed by the prospect of incorporating beets into their sights, mainly due to their intense color that stains and the strong, earthy flavor they can impart to dishes. The most common mistake is not handling beets properly during preparation and cooking - leading to loss of nutrients and flavor. Another classic mistake is to overcook beets, losing their texture and sweetness. They can be prepared in several ways such as roasting, boiling, grilling, or even consuming raw in salads, juices, or smoothies. When selecting beets, look for firm, small to medium-sized beets with bright and blemish-free skin. The leaves should be bright and fresh-looking as well. One way to get the most from beets is to combine them with foods high in vitamin C, which can increase your body's absorption of the iron in beets. Never peel beets before cooking as the skin helps to retain as much of their color and nutrients as possible. You can also include the leafy green tops in your diet, which are similar to spinach and are delicious sautéed or added to soups and stews. A little-known fact about beets is that their greens are among the healthiest part of the plant. So instead of discarding them, utilize in your salads or stir-fries. Also, using a balsamic glaze or adding citrus juice can help to bring down the earthy taste of beets that some may find overpowering.