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If You Can’t Beet ‘Em…Eat ‘Em
By Barbara Morales Photography provided by Melissa’s World Variety Produce
 We all love the beautiful beet. With its crunchy and earthy flavors, this vegetable has become a staple of American cuisine. Well, perhaps not, but it should definitely be considered for dinner. Not only are its health benefits undeniable, beets come in various colors, shapes and flavors. Best when cooked fresh, and not from the can, the beet is a source of vitamin C, potassium and folate and in medical studies they’ve been found to combat certain diseases.
Thought to have originated in North Africa, the Romans were one of the first to cultivate beet roots for food. Their value grew in the 19th century when their concentrated sugar was discovered, and their popularity was cemented when Napoleon made them the primary source of sugar during a shortage caused by the British (try Beets Napoleon, a delicious goat cheese, beet and vinaigrette dish).
Melissa’s World Variety Produce can ship beets in a hurry … and a variety of beets they have. Pick from Red beets, Gold beets, Baby Gold beets, Baby Red beets, and Baby Candy Cane beets.
For a fresh and incredible dish, try this simple Baby Beet Salad with Goat Cheese recipe provided by Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Inc., and for more great recipes, products and resources visit their website at www.melissas.com or resource their great book, Melissa’s Great Book of Produce.
BABY BEET SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE
Serves 2
1 sprig thyme, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 cups baby greens
1 package Melissa’s Peeled Baby Red
Beets, quartered
4 tbsp glazed walnuts
2 oz mild goat cheese, crumbled
In a small mixing bowl mix thyme, shallot and Dijon mustard. Whisk in vinegar and slowly add olive oil in a thin stream, constantly whisking; form an emulsion. Set aside. Place baby mixed lettuce on platter or individual plates. Top with quartered beets and drizzle with dressing and garnish with glazed walnuts and crumbled goat cheese.
For more information call Melissa’s directly at (800) 588-0151 or
email them at hotline@melissas.com. Melissa’s Great World of
Produce: Everything You Need to Know About Fresh Fruits
and Vegetables, by Cathy Thomas (ISBN 0764571877), is available
at their website www.melissas.com or at www.amazon.com.
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