Beetroot Tops?
By Telme8
Vale of Glamorgan,
Wales 
Our Beetroot and carrots this year have been an utter disaster, all leaf and nothing under them. We are digging over the veg garden ready to fallow for the winter and before we pull up the beetroot and carrots, I am wondering can the leaves of the beetroot be cooked as a vegetable, I seem to have something in the back of my mind that says yes! can any one tell me before we pull them up and put them in the compost heap.I hate waste and the leaves look very healthy and appertising.
7 Nov, 2008
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beets
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Answers
Thanks Jazzminton, I was pretty sure you could but thought I'd be carefull before poisoning any one! I think I will be taking my carrots over the farm to the sheep!
7 Nov, 2008
Hi again Telme.
Sauteed beet tops:
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 large cloves garlic, minced
* 1-1/2 pounds beet tops, washed and cut into 3-inch lengths
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Water if needed
Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add the beet tops, salt and pepper. Cover and sauté until tender, adding a little water as needed for moisture to prevent scorching, about 10 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.
I am sure there are other recipes.
John.
7 Nov, 2008
Thanks John, I will give it a go.
7 Nov, 2008
I eat beetroot leaves but only the young ones, nice mixed in salads and i think they cook ok, a little like spinach.The bigger leaves may be a little tough and bitter but no harm in trying! Never eaten carrot leaves, i give them to the childrens guinea pigs
7 Nov, 2008