**Golden Beets:** **Description:** Golden beets (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva) are a variety of beetroot known for their vibrant golden-yellow color. They belong to the same family as red beets and share similar nutritional benefits. The characteristic hue of golden beets is due to the presence of betalains, the same compounds responsible for the red color in their counterparts. **Uses:** 1. **Culinary Purposes:** - Golden beets have a sweet and mild flavor, making them versatile in various culinary applications. - They can be eaten raw, thinly sliced or grated, and added to salads for a pop of color and sweetness. - Roasting golden beets enhances their natural sweetness and caramelizes their sugars, providing a delicious side dish or ingredient for various recipes. - Golden beets can be pickled, boiled, steamed, or even pureed into soups and sauces. - They pair well with ingredients like goat cheese, walnuts, citrus fruits, and balsamic vinegar. 2. **Nutritional Benefits:** - Like red beets, golden beets are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins (A, C), minerals (potassium, iron), and dietary fiber. - They contain antioxidants, such as betalains, which have potential health benefits. **Culinary Tips:** - To roast golden beets, wash and peel them, then cut into uniform pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting in the oven until tender. - When boiling or steaming, leave the skin on to preserve color and nutrients. Peel after cooking. - Combine golden beets with other root vegetables for a colorful and nutritious medley. **How to Grow Golden Beets:** 1. **Planting:** - Golden beets can be grown from seeds directly sown into the garden soil or started indoors and transplanted. - Plant the seeds about 1-2 inches apart in rows, with rows spaced around 12-18 inches apart. - Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil. 2. **Sunlight and Water:** - Golden beets thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. - Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is essential for optimal growth. 3. **Soil Conditions:** - Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal for golden beets. - Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH level for best results. 4. **Harvesting:** - Golden beets are ready for harvest when they reach a desirable size, usually around 2-3 inches in diameter. - Use a garden fork to carefully lift the beets from the soil, being cautious not to damage the roots. 5. **Storage:** - Once harvested, remove the tops, leaving an inch of the stem attached. Store in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy cultivating, cooking, and savoring the delightful taste and color of golden beets. How to Plant Beets We prefer to sow beets directly in the garden so that we don?t have to disturb their roots, though beets?unlike many root crops?do generally tolerate being transplanted while still young. However, since they are cold tolerant, beets typically have no trouble being started outdoors. Sow seeds oe-inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart in rows that are about 1 foot apart. After sowing, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Each wrinkled beet ?seed? may be actually a cluster of 2 to 4 seeds, so you will need to thin the young plants to 3 to 4 inches apart once the greens get to be about 4 inches tall. This allows their roots to grow to their proper size. Tip: When thinning, don?t pull up the plants, as you may accidentally disturb the roots of the beets you want to keep. Instead, just snip off the greens (and eat them). Make sure soil remains moist for optimal germination. Soak seeds for 24 hours prior to planting to speed up germination. =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s Free shipping to Canada- and USA Selected seeds only Add this item to your cart and keep shopping-- at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. 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