Visit

www.timeintuscany.com Alvina from Podernouvo has agreed to write some posts about the food from Tuscany.

Simple Conversions - Liquids - 1 cup / 250 ml / 8 fl oz Solids - 20 g / 1/2 oz; 125 g / 4 oz; 500g / 1 lb C to F - 120C / 250 F; 180 C / 355 F ; 200 C / 390 F mm to in - 1cm / 1/2 in; 5cm / 2 in Boneless meat or chicken - 450g /1lb

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Beetroot beats the rest in health-boosting nutrients


The humble beetroot is rich in health-boosting nutrients.

Called a superfood, this common root vegetable is packed with health-promoting antioxidants and nutrients such as beta-carotene, folate, potassium, vitamin C and iron. It is also an excellent source of soluble fibre. The purple pigment contains antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage, prevent the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as protecting brain health.

Beets are particularly nutritious when grated raw - toss with coriander, mint, lemon or orange juice and served with Greek yoghurt. The attractive leaves are also nutritious and are great in salads, dressed with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing.

Beetroot contains some carbohydrate but is still considered a low GI choice. If you are short on time, canned beets are convenient and even though they usually contain additional concentrations of sodium and other preservatives, they are still beneficial to your health. I like the the whole baby beets which when cut into quarters, are great in salads.

Fresh beetroot is fabulous and cooking it is relatively easy Heat the oven to 180°C/ Cut the tops and stringy rootsoff, leaving a crown of stalk left on the root in order not to break the membrane. and stringy root. Reserve small, young leaves to use as part of a salad).

Wrap each beetroot individually in foil with a tablespoon of water, place it in a roasting pan and bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes (20-30 minutes for baby beetroot). Pierce one with a skewer to test if it is soft. When roasted the skin will wrinkle - cool, covered, for 10 minutes before removing the foil, as this will help the skin loosen. Cut a cross at the top and gently push off the flesh with your fingers but if you don’t plan to use them straight away, leave the skin on.

Balsamic vinaigrette works well as a dressing.
Makes about ½ cup (125ml)
1½ tbsp balsamic
1tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Whisk together all the ingredients, season then drizzle over the salad.


I like to make more than I need as it keeps well - transfer into a lidded container and pour over dressing.
Beetroots tend to bleed when cut so wear disposable gloves and protect your chopping board with baking paper.


lt would be great to receive your feedback or suggestions. Click on "0 comments". You can choose 'anonomous' from the drop down menu if you don't have a google account. Or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

No comments:

Post a Comment

It would be great to hear your ideas. Click on NO COMMENT to add your comment. You can choose ANONYMOUS from the dropdown menu if you do not have a Google account.