Packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber, the beetroot, or more commonly known
to many of us as the beet, is anything but ordinary. They grow in a variety of gorgeous colors like pink, purple, yellow, white, and striped. The numerous health benefits work to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and increase exercise performance while reducing inflammation.

The average beet contains the following:
Calories: 64
Protein: 2.5 gm
Fat: 4.5 gm
Carbohydrates: 5 gm
Fiber: 2 gm
Trace vitamins and minerals: copper, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and iron

Beets can be prepared and eaten in a variety of ways, including consuming the leaves like spinach, as well as juicing the whole beet itself. Here is one of our favorite recipes:

Roasted Beets w/balsamic glaze

Ingredients:
Bunch of beets (from local grocer or farmer’s market)

• 2 tsp. Extra virgin olive oil
• ½ C. Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. Grated orange zest
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Scrub beets and remove green tops (remember to save).
2. Line baking pan with aluminum foil.
3. Rub olive oil on washed beets and sprinkle with salt. Wrap foil around beets.
4. Set oven to 400 degrees and bake for 1 ½-2 hours(depending on beet size). Make sure to cook the full time, since more caramelization will occur. Beets are fully cooked when fork inserts easily to center.
5. Remove from oven.

Preparing the glaze:
Combine sugar and vinegar in saucepan over high heat. Continue cooking over high heat until liquid reduces to glaze consistency.

Once the beets have cooled to touch, remove outer peel and cut into quarters. Put into prep bowl. Pour glaze over beets. Sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper.
Garnish with orange zest. Can be served as a side dish or mixed into salads for added color.