Beets - How to Buy

Beets are available year-round, are grown in most parts of the nation, but major growing areas are California, Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, New York and Colorado.  Many beets are sold in bunches with the tops still attached, while others are sold on the basis of weight with the tops removed.

Look for beets that are firm, round, with a slender tap root, a rich deep red color, and smooth over most of the surface.  If beets are bunched, you can judge their freshness fairly accurately byt he condition of the tops.  Badly wilted or decayed tops indicate a lack of freshness, but the roots may be saisfactory if they are firm.

Avoid elongated beets with round, scaly areas around the top surface.  These will be tough, fibrous and strong flavored.  Also avoid wilted flabby beets which have been exposed to the air too long.