Tips

What is a Sugar Beet? How to Distinguish it from Turnips and Beets.

Sugar beets are a familiar vegetable to many homemakers. However, distinguishing between sugar beets and beetroots is not common knowledge. Read on to uncover the answer and enhance your culinary expertise.

Administrator

11 August, 2024

Turnips are a familiar vegetable to many of us, but did you know there are different types, each with unique characteristics? Let’s explore one variety in particular – the sugar beet – and learn how to distinguish it from other turnips and beets.

1What is a Sugar Beet?

Sugar beets are used in the sugar industry

Sugar beets, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris, are a type of beet native to Europe and North America. As their name suggests, they are valued for their high sugar content, which is extracted for industrial use and daily consumption.

Sugar beets are easily recognizable by their solid, cylindrical shape, with a diameter of approximately 10-12 cm. Their outer skin has a rough texture and a brownish-beige color, while their leaves are long and slender with a green hue. Both the roots and leaves are edible and can be used in various dishes.

2Can Sugar Beets be Eaten Raw?

Young sugar beets can be eaten raw

Young and tender sugar beets can be eaten raw and are commonly sliced thinly and added to salads for a touch of sweetness. More mature sugar beets are typically cooked, either by boiling, stir-frying, or roasting, to soften their texture and bring out their natural sweetness.

3Local Names for Sugar Beets in Vietnam

Sugar beets are sometimes confused with red turnips

In Vietnam, the term “sugar beet” is often used to refer to a type of red turnip with a round or slightly oval shape. These turnips have a pinkish-red outer skin and white flesh. They are a common ingredient in local cuisine and are distinct from the sugar beets used in the sugar industry.

4Distinguishing Sugar Beets from Other Turnips and Beets

Identifying different types of roots

To help you identify sugar beets and differentiate them from other turnips and beets, we’ve created the following table:

Type of Root	Sugar Beet	Turnip (White/Red)	Beetroot
Scientific Name	Beta vulgaris	R. raphanistrum	Beta vulgaris
Diameter	10 – 12cm	2 – 5cm	5 – 7cm
Skin Color	Brownish-beige	White (White Turnip) or Pinkish-Red (Red Turnip)	Deep Red or Purple
Flesh Color	Light Beige	White	Purple or Deep Red
Flavor	Mildly Sweet	Slightly Pungent with a Hint of Sweetness	Sweet with a Hint of Bitterness

5Sugar Beet Price and Availability in Vietnam

Sugar beets are not commonly sold in Vietnam

Sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), used for sugar production, are not typically sold in Vietnam as they are primarily grown for industrial purposes. However, the red turnips commonly referred to as “sugar beets” in Vietnam are widely available in local markets, supermarkets, and grocery stores. They usually cost around 60,000 to 70,000 VND per kilogram.

Now you know more about sugar beets and how to distinguish them from other types of turnips and beets. We hope this information has been helpful, and we wish you success in your culinary adventures!

Frequently asked questions

A sugar beet is a root vegetable that belongs to the Beta vulgaris species, which also includes table beets and chard. While all three vegetables are varieties of the same species, they have distinct characteristics. Sugar beets are primarily grown for their sugar content and are used in the production of sugar. They are white or yellowish in color and have a high concentration of sucrose. On the other hand, table beets, also known as garden beets or red beets, are cultivated for their edible roots and leaves. They are typically deep red in color, although they can also be golden or striped. Turnips, on the other hand, belong to the Brassica genus and are not directly related to sugar beets or beets. They have a white, purple, or green upper part and a white, yellow, or purple lower part.

Sugar beets are larger and more elongated than turnips and beets, resembling a parsnip or carrot in shape. They have a smooth, thin skin and a firm texture. The color of the skin can vary from white to yellowish, and the flesh is also white or slightly off-white. Turnips, on the other hand, are usually smaller and more rounded, with a purple or white color. Beets, as mentioned earlier, are typically deep red, golden, or striped, making them visually distinct from sugar beets.

Sugar beets are a good source of dietary fiber, folate, and manganese. They also contain smaller amounts of potassium, iron, and vitamin C. While they are high in natural sugars, they have a lower glycemic index compared to other sweet foods, which means they may have less of an impact on blood sugar levels. Additionally, the leaves of sugar beets are edible and provide additional nutritional benefits, including vitamin K, calcium, and iron.

Sugar beets are primarily used for sugar extraction, and the resulting sugar is used in a variety of food products. However, the roots and leaves of sugar beets can also be consumed. The roots can be boiled, roasted, or pickled, and they have a sweet and earthy flavor. Sugar beet leaves can be prepared similarly to spinach and are often added to soups, stews, or salads.

Yes, sugar beets can be grown at home in a similar way to other root vegetables. They prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. It’s important to note that sugar beets are biennial plants, which means they take two years to complete their life cycle. However, they are usually grown as annuals, as the roots can be harvested in the first year.