Beetroot

Well you learn something new all the time even at my advancing years! I learnt the other day that Beetroot was originally grown for it's leaves not root. Husband likes the leaves (I braise the leaves with butter and Garlic).... Not for me but he likes it.
I do like Beetroot root tho and have always grown Boltardy. I was given a packet of Unwins Cylindra to try and have to say I am impressed. It has done slightly better and it's taste is a little sweeter I think. As the name suggests the roots are more cylindrical than round like Boltardy. I think once I need to get more seed in about 10 years,I will buy Cylindra, while not that different it's just a little bit nicer.

 

Many varieties of chard are actually not chard at all, but leaf beet, basically the same plant as beetroot but cultivated for its leaves rather than its roots.

Beet leafs are extraordinarily good for you. Their high potassium level is excellent for regulating heart rate, and something in there (can't remember what) has been shown in clinical trials to lower blood pressure in those with high blood pressure. The beneficial effects are short lived though, so you have to consume them regularly for lasting effects.

Lots of recipes suggest cooking Beet leaves like spinach. I think that's an absolute travesty. The flavour and texture are perfect raw in salad.