Beetroot preparation and culinary uses

Preparing beetroot involves various methods, including boiling, roasting in the oven, or barbecuing. For boiling, the leaves should be removed and the roots washed before being placed in water. It is recommended to peel the skin after the beets have cooled down. Cooking times vary by type: summer beets typically require 20 to 30 minutes, while winter beets may take between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Beyond the root, beetroot leaves are edible and nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, magnesium, and iron. The young leaves can be used in salads, while the stems and leaves can be sautéed with oil, garlic, and pepper, or added to omelets and mashed potato dishes (stamppot). Excess beets and chopped leaves can be frozen for later use.