How to Grow Your Own Beet Greens, Plus a Beet Salad Recipe!

We are always on the lookout for healthy new recipes that are easy to make with kids, and this time of year we're also looking for ways to incorporate vegetables from our local CSA, Sycamore Spring Farm. It's a huge bonus when there's an 'experiment' involved with the veggies. Keep reading to find out how to grow beet greens and learn all about why you can - and should - be eating whole beets!

Did you know that when you have a bunch of beets, you can eat everything? Not only can you eat the beetroot -- the part you typically think of when you think of "beets" -- but also the leaves and the stems!

Did you also know that beets are not only easily grown from seeds, but that the greens -- the leaves and the stems -- can be grown from beets?

To grow your own beets, you can just pick up a package or two of beet seeds and follow the planting directions. Be sure to keep the soil moist, as beet bulbs love water, and you will start to see the shoots in 2-3 weeks. 

But to grow beet greens all you need is that bunch of beets you already have!

So what can you use beet greens for? 

I’m a big fan of beet greens because they are a great source of vitamins A and K (important for your eyes!) and they make a delicious summer salad – very light and tasty. Here’s a really easy recipe using beets, beet greens, and stems.

Beet Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beets
• Greens and stems from the beets (or from your garden)
• 1 medium Gala apple (or your favorite apple), sliced
• Crumbled feta cheese 
• Salad dressing and nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Peel and slice the beets.
2. Chop the stems into pieces 1 to 2 inches long.
3. Place beets and stems in a shallow, oven-safe dish and bake at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until tender.
4. Cut the greens into bite-sized pieces and place in your serving bowl.
5. Add apple slices, cooked beets, and stems to the greens, and garnish with feta cheese.
6. Top with salad dressing and nuts, if using.

Enjoy!