Beetroot - can I eat the leaves?

chicky · June 2023

Growing beetroot for the first time this year. After a couple of attempts were demolished by slugs or mice, I have finally got some plants in the ground and on the go.

I know that baby beetroot leaves are good in salads. My question is do I have to designate some plants as “leaf producers” and some as “root producers”? If I harvest leaves from a plant will it affect its ability to grow a beetroot?

Many thanks in advance

Dovefromabove · June 2023

I find it’s ok to take one or two at a time from each plant … any more seems to set them back. I only revisit a plant if/when it’s replaced the leaves I’ve taken. 😊

Danae(dan-Ah-ee) · June 2023

I grow beetroot for the leaves as, like many people, I'm not too keen on the flavour of the bulbs. I let them grow to a good size

and then pick them (always leaving the immature leaves on for the plant to continue to grow). Then l wash them, cut them into 5cm- or so- pieces, cook them in boiling, salted water for a couple of minutes, drain them very well and, while still hot, dress them in olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar) sea salt and garlic (passed through a garlic press). I put the ingredients of the dressing in a jam jar and shake vigorously. When it thickens, I pour it over the leaves. I love it!

I have also tried them with Greek strained yogurt. Pretty amazing.

For that, let the beetroot leaves go cold then add garlic, salt to taste and as much Greek strained yogurt

as needed to cover them fully; mix thoroughly and add, on top, the best olive oil you have.

To do your salads justice, take to the table some sourdough bread and your appetite.

JennyJ · June 2023

I also grow them for salad leaves only. I sow thickly and get several cuttings of young leaves, but when I eventually ditch them the roots are nothing much so I think you need to grow them with proper spacing and leave plenty of leaves on if you want roots.

thevictorian · June 2023

I prefer the leaves to the root so just multisow some in plugs specifically for the leaves and a few singly sown for the roots. I then just multisow a few every couple of weeks from now till august/September. They make a good, quick, gap filling crop.

raisingirl · June 2023

If you only grow them for the leaves, why not grow chard instead? It's easier

Danae(dan-Ah-ee) · June 2023

I do grow chard. However, I find there's a subtle difference in flavour. Moreover, when I pickle cabbage, I also add a small beetroot bulb to the brine.

JennyJ · June 2023

I grow chard sometimes but it doesn't do as well as beetroot here for leaf production (neither does spinach beet, which I find odd because it's just another variety of Beta vulgaris, but one which is intended for cropping the leaves).

tui34 · June 2023

Hi Chicky!
The mature leaves can be roughly chopped, fried and then pour an omelette mixture over them. As can any other leaves of root vegetables - radishes, turnips etc. (not parsnips perhaps!!!

The other recipes look good especially with Greek yogurt @Danae(dan-Ah-ee) !! Yum.

chicky · June 2023

Thanks folks - I’ll pick leaves from every other plant and see how it goes. Some yummy recipe ideas too - just need to let the plants get a tiny bit bigger 🟣

war garden 572 · June 2023

here a good article on beet ediblity from
better homes and gardens Apr 1944 p 86

Beetroot - can I eat the leaves?

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