Beetroot

a root vegetable, usually red-purple in colour, but white and golden varieties are also available. Shaped like small globes with bushy green leaves, which are also edible and taste like spinach. Beetroot has an earthy, mildly nutty flavour. Cook fresh beetroot whole in boiling water, without damaging the skin to avoid the colour leaching out during cooking. Once cooked, peel away the skin. Serve hot with soured cream and black pepper, or cool and shred or grate into salads. It is delicious with fresh orange. Can be pickled in vinegar.