Beet microgreens have small dark–green elongated leaves and thin burgundy red stems that extend up into the lower part and outside edge of the leaf.  Their beautiful deep red coloring makes them a very popular with professional chefs and higher-end restaurants as a culinary ingredient in order to enhance the presentation of their dishes. They have an earthy flavor that is very similar to that of a mature beet, and a crisp, juicy texture. We love to grow them because they are so beautiful on the racks.

These small, very tender microgreens take longer to grow than most microgreen varieties and their yield is typically smaller.  Despite their smaller size, they are packed with phytonutrients which are chemicals produced by plants and used to stay healthy. For example, some phytonutrients protect plants from insect attacks, while others protect against radiation from UV rays.

Phytonutrients can also provide significant benefits for humans who eat plant foods. Among the benefits of phytonutrients are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytonutrients may also enhance immunity and intercellular communication, repair DNA damage from exposure to toxins, detoxify carcinogens and alter estrogen metabolism. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that consuming a phytonutrient-rich diet seems to be an “effective strategy” for reducing cancer and heart disease risks. Many phytonutrient rich foods are very colorful and Bulls blood Beet microgreens are no exception. They are rich in protein, antioxidants, carotene, and chlorophyll, and are also high in:

Vitamin A – a powerful anti-oxidant essential for vision and for maintaining healthy mucosa and skin, protects eyes from night blindness and age-related decline of eyesight, may reduce risk of certain cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cervical, lung and bladder cancer,  plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s natural defenses, including the mucous barriers in the eyes, lungs, gut and genitals which help trap bacteria and other infectious agents, is involved in the production and function of white blood cells, which help capture and clear bacteria and other pathogens from the bloodstream, may reduce incidence of acne, protects bones and reduces risk of fractures, essential for maintaining a healthy reproductive system in both men and women, as well as ensuring the normal growth and development of embryos during pregnancy 

 Vitamin B complex – eight water-soluble vitamins that perform essential and closely related roles in the body’s cellular function. The vitamins that make up B complex are thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid, and the cobalamins (vitamin B12). The B vitamins help enzymes in our bodies do their jobs and are important for a wide range of cellular functions, like breaking down carbohydrates and transporting nutrients throughout the body. 

Vitamin C – can reduce the risk of infections and pneumonia, help lower the risk of stroke, reduce the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease, reduce macular degeneration that leads to eye disorders, promotes speedier wound healing, reduces asthma symptoms caused by air pollution, aids in the processing of glucose and insulin, and promotes neurotransmitter production which could help to regulate mood 

Vitamin E – a fat-soluble anti-oxidant, helps keep the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria, is important in the formation of red blood cells, helps the body use vitamin K and helps widen blood vessels and keep blood from clotting inside them. May be beneficial in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, dementia, liver disease, and stroke 

Vitamin K – produces prothrombin, a protein and clotting factor that is important in blood clotting and bone metabolism, supports the maintenance of strong bones, improves bone density and decreases the risk of fractures, has been linked with improved episodic memory in older adults may help keep blood pressure lower by preventing mineral build up in the arteries thus enableing the heart to pump blood freely through the body 

Carotenoids – antioxidants that aid in lowering inflammation and improving cardiovascular health, help protect cells from free radicals and may be able to prevent cancer growth 

Calcium – mostly stored in bones and teeth, where it supports their structure and hardness. Also aids muscle to movement and helps nerves carry messages between the brain and every body part 

Iron – a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells that determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood 

Magnesium – vital for DNA synthesis and muscle contraction, aids in regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and making protein and bone 

Potassium – a type of electrolyte, it helps nerves to function and muscles to contract and helps regulate heartbeat.  

Zinc – helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses and helps make proteins and DNA. It is an important nutrient for reproductive health in both males and females and is required for proper growth and delvelopment of children and infants.