In the Spotlight: Golden Beets
"In The Spotlight", is designed to highlight a seasonal item that is not regularly recognized or acknowledged for its value. While beets technically peak in Winter, their warm and bright hue truly is a mood lifter for all seasons that possess great chemistry with a myriad of cuisines. Sweet and savory, golden beets tend to lack the "earthy" flavor that dissuades many from their ruby counterparts; in fact, they absolutely shine as a raw, steamed, or roasted root vegetable.
My love affair with beets began far too late in life. I had no idea that they were so delicious, curiously accepting their poor reputation for flavor. Thankfully, I corrected the error of my ways and now beets of every color hold an esteemed position in my every day diet. Here, I will place the spotlight on golden beets, as they tend to have a much more agreeable flavor to a broader range of palates.
Golden beets offer a dizzying array of health benefits. They are ultimate body cleansers, giving our blood, kidneys and liver a good scrub. They are loaded with vitamins A, C, beta carotene, potassium, phytonutrients, lycopene, and fiber - all of the immunity boosting powers that the yellows and oranges are famous for in the produce rainbow. And who can resist that vibrant color and stunning striations in their design. Golden beets are an elegant diversion from the usual suspects in our healthy diet; so much so, that I tend to save them for special occasions.
The recipes below are designed to highlight several attractive qualities of this root vegetable. One, their versatility in preparation: they can be equally enjoyed raw, steamed, roasted, or pureed, while still providing a pleasing texture. Second, preserving that golden sunshine color that is so appealing to our eyes and to our appetite. Third, their mild and appealing flavor. It's difficult not to find your spirits soaring when golden beets are shining on your plate. Below, golden beets are showcased with a vibrant cast of citrus, heirloom tomatoes, and avocado. They are very lightly dressed to ensure that every flavor shines on its own:
This golden beet borscht can be enjoyed as a warm or chilled soup. The beets, apples and fennel are very gently roasted to encourage their sugars to surface, then blended and dressed with finishing touches:
Finally, herbed almond cheese and roasted golden beets resting on a bed of spring greens makes for a savory and satisfying spring meal:
Stay tuned for more beet recipes as the seasons progress. Their versatility is something to be celebrated all year long and I look forward to sharing them with you.
Enjoy!