Love, Sugar, and Beauty: The Many Faces of Beetroot
Once upon a time, there was a beetroot. How long ago? Research shows that people were cultivating beetroots as early as the third millennium BC at the Neolithic site of Aartswoud in the Netherlands and in the Saqqara pyramid at Thebes, Egypt. Earlier cultivation is likely since Assyrian texts describe beets growing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. While the gardens are considered a legend, it is well-documented that the ancient Greeks used these vegetables. They consumed only the leaves, reserving the roots as offerings to Apollo at Delphi. Hippocrates applied beetroot leaves to bandage wounds, and the Romans later began eating the roots, primarily for medicinal purposes.
What did the Romans treat with beetroots? These vegetables naturally contain substances like tryptophan and betaine, which enhance well-being. Additionally, they are rich in boron, a mineral that increases the levels of reproductive hormones in the body. This led the Romans to believe beetroots could intensify passion. Even Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was said to eat beetroots. Frescoes depicting this vegetable adorn the walls of the Lupanar brothel in Pompeii, symbolizing their association with love and desire.
The Sweet New Chapter
In the 16th century, beetroots began to take on their modern, rounded shape, evolving from their previously elongated, carrot-like form. They gradually gained popularity in the daily diet, especially in northeastern Europe. The real breakthrough for beetroots, however, came in 1747 when Berlin chemist Andreas Sigismund Marggraf discovered how to produce sucrose from them. His student, Franz Achard, refined this method, and the King of Prussia subsidized the sugar beet industry. Today, about 20% of the world’s sugar comes from beets, and producing beet sugar requires four times less water than producing sugar from cane.
Beets also served another purpose in the past: natural cosmetics. Their red color, derived from betalains, made them a staple in makeup products. People used beetroot to add a rosy tint to cheeks and lips, layering the pigment to achieve varying intensities. These homemade cosmetics were inexpensive, easy to prepare, and still inspire modern recipes for sustainable beauty solutions using water, beetroot, and glycerin or beeswax.
How Healthy Are They?
Beetroots are a boon for health-conscious individuals. Low in calories but packed with nutrients, they’re an excellent source of fiber, with one cup containing 3.4 grams. They’re particularly rich in folate, manganese, and copper. Research demonstrates that beets help lower high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. Beetroot juice enhances physical performance by improving mitochondrial efficiency, which boosts energy production in cells. Additionally, studies suggest their potential anti-dementia and anti-cancer properties.
The Versatility of Beetroots
Beetroots’ vibrant color and earthy flavor make them one of the most versatile vegetables. They can be roasted, boiled, pickled, or juiced and are equally at home in sweet and savory dishes. Their sweetness shines in cakes and smoothies, while their natural acidity complements salads, soups, and sauces. Pickled beets add a tangy kick to sandwiches and burgers, and their leaves can be sautéed or blended into green smoothies, minimizing food waste.
During World War II, when food supplies were scarce, beets became a crucial ingredient in many households, demonstrating their role as a dietary cornerstone in times of need. Today, chefs worldwide continue to explore their culinary potential, from beetroot-infused pasta to beet-based vegan burgers, celebrating this humble root’s remarkable adaptability.
