Beets, botanically known as Betas vulgaris, are native to the Mediterranean. Although the leaves have been eaten since before written history, the beet root was generally used medicinally and did not become a popular food until French chefs recognized its potential in the 1800s. The vegetables are known as beetroot in many areas of the world; and they seem to be one of those vegetables you either love or hate.

The most common garden beet, naturally sweet and very nutritious, is usually deep ruby-red in color; but yellow, white and even candy-striped (with red and white concentric circles) beets can also be found in specialty markets.

Beets were brought to North America by American colonists, but it is not known exactly when. They were a well-established food by the eighteenth century, as mention is made of chard and red, white and yellow beetroot being grown in the United States gardens in the early 1800s. George Washington conducted experiments with beets at Mount Vernon and by 1888...