Beetroot is a delicious vegetable and very healthy on top of that. But can you eat beetroot raw? We explain what you have to look out for with the tuber.
Raw beetroot: Regional superfood
Beetroot is full of healthy nutrients, including the beet high proportion of vitamin B, potassium, iron and folic acid on. Raw beetroot contains a particularly large number of minerals and vitamins because some of them disintegrate when cooked. Beetroot, for example, tastes good raw delicious in a salad or smoothie, as a dip or thinly sliced as a carpaccio. Our beetroot tartare is also a fine and vegetarian starter, for which the beet does not have to be boiled, just grated.
Eating beetroot raw: is it allowed?
Unfortunately, the consumption of raw beetroot is not safe for everyone. While most adults should easily tolerate it People who have kidney problems or who have a tendency to develop kidney stones are better off not eating the vegetables raw. Beetroot contains a lot of oxalic acid, which inhibits the body's absorption of calcium. In this case, it is best to briefly blanch the tuber, as boiling will reduce the oxalic acid content significantly. Other foods that contain oxalic acid include Swiss chard, rhubarb and spinach.
Even children should only eat beetroot raw in moderation. The reason for this is that it is contained in the beet can convert harmless nitrate into nitrite if stored incorrectly: Small amounts of this substance are harmless to adults, but in infants and small children it can hinder the transport of oxygen in the blood and thus be life-threatening. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming vegetables rich in nitrates.
Beetroot: Product knowledge and tips
Fresh beetroot is available from September to March. Regardless of whether you use them raw or cook them: It is always advisable to have them with you Wear kitchen glovesso that your skin doesn't get discolored. You should also be careful to protect your clothing, as the stains are difficult to remove. Before cooking you don't have to peel the tuberbecause otherwise it "bleeds". Incidentally, beetroot leaves can also be eaten, but you should not eat them raw!
We have delicious beetroot recipes and we explain how you can prepare beetroot and boil down beetroot.