Beet greens are the leafy tops of the beetroot plant that are often overlooked and discarded. However, they are packed with nutritional value and can be a delicious addition to your meals.

A 1/2 cup serving of beet greens (1" pieces) contains only 4 calories, making them a low-calorie food option. They are also high in important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy diet and supporting overall wellness.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional value and health benefits of beet greens, explore different ways to cook and store them, and give you some delicious DIY recipes to try at home.

Nutritional Value of Beet Greens

As mentioned, beet greens are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A 1/2 cup serving of beet greens contains 38% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin K, which is important for maintaining healthy bones and preventing blood clots. They are also high in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, and vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Additionally, beet greens are a good source of iron and calcium, which are important for healthy blood and strong bones. Overall, beet greens offer a wide range of important nutrients that can help support a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Health Benefits of Beet Greens

In addition to their nutritional value, beet greens also offer a number of health benefits. For example, they may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a number of chronic diseases. They may also help lower blood pressure, thanks to their high potassium content, and support healthy digestion due to their fiber content. Overall, incorporating beet greens into your diet may help support better health outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Cooking with Beet Greens

Beet greens can be cooked in a variety of ways, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. They can be sauteed with garlic and olive oil, added to soups and stews for an extra shot of nutrition, or blended into smoothies for a healthy boost. When cooking beet greens, it's important to note that they cook quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. To avoid this, simply saute them for a few minutes until they are tender but still vibrant in color. Experiment with different cooking methods and flavors to find the perfect way to enjoy beet greens in your meals.

Storing Beet Greens

To store beet greens, simply wrap them in damp paper towels or a damp cloth and place them in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week. It's important to note that the greens should be separated from the beetroot itself, as they can cause the beetroot to wilt more quickly. To do this, simply cut off the greens and store them separately.

Ways to Incorporate Beet Greens in Your Diet

There are many delicious ways to incorporate beet greens into your diet. Here are a few ideas: - Add them to your morning smoothie for a healthy boost - Saute them with garlic and olive oil for a tasty side dish

Beet Greens vs Beetroot

It's important to note that beet greens and beetroot are not interchangeable. While beet greens are packed with important nutrients, beetroot is also high in fiber and contains different vitamins and minerals. If you're looking to enjoy the benefits of both, consider cooking beet greens and beetroot together for a delicious and nutritious meal.

DIY Beet Green Recipes

Here are a few DIY recipes to try using beet greens: - Beet Green Pesto: Blend beet greens, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese in a food processor for a delicious pesto that can be used as a dip, sauce, or spread. - Beet Green and Feta Salad: Mix beet greens with chopped beets, crumbled feta cheese, and a simple vinaigrette for a tasty and nutritious salad.

Beet Greens in Salads

Beet greens can be a delicious addition to salads, adding both nutrition and flavor. Consider using them in place of traditional salad greens for a new and exciting twist on your favorite salads. For a simple beet green salad, toss chopped beet greens with chopped veggies like cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper, and dress with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing.

Beet Greens in Smoothies

Adding beet greens to your morning smoothie is a great way to start the day off with a healthy dose of nutrition. Simply blend beet greens with your favorite fruits and veggies for a delicious and nutritious smoothie. For a tasty and refreshing smoothie, try blending beet greens, frozen berries, banana, and coconut water together. The result is a nutritious and delicious way to start your day.

Importance of Eating Leafy Greens

Incorporating leafy greens like beet greens into your diet is important for maintaining overall health and wellness. These types of greens are packed with important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are essential for a healthy diet. In addition, leafy greens may also help reduce the risk of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Incorporating beet greens into your diet is a simple and delicious way to up your daily intake of leafy greens and support better health outcomes.