Skip to product information
Seed | Bull's Blood Beet
  • Seed | Bull's Blood Beet
Seed | Bull's Blood Beet

Seed | Bull's Blood Beet

$3.99 CAD
Format

Quantity

Grow Bull's Blood beets with dark purple leaves and blood-red roots. This heirloom variety offers a double harvest: tender young leaves for salads and sweet roots when ripe.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Bull's Blood beet is a distinctive, heirloom variety of red beet distinguished by its sweet roots and purple leaves. Here's an overview of its history:

  • Origin of Bull's Blood Beetroot:
    Bull's Blood beet originated in the late 19th century, although the exact details of its origin are little known. It was likely developed in Eastern Europe or Russia, regions renowned for their beet cultivation. Some sources indicate that it may have first been cultivated in Hungary or Germany, although the precise history remains unclear.

The name “Bull's Blood” probably comes from the very dark, intense red color of its roots and leaves, which are reminiscent of bull's blood in their hue.

  • Variety characteristics:
    Bull's Blood beetroot is known for its highly decorative purple leaves, which distinguish it from other beetroot varieties, which generally have green leaves. The roots are also deep red, sometimes almost black, and have a sweet, earthy flavor.

A special feature of this variety is that, unlike other beets whose leaves are often less used, the leaves of Bull's Blood are edible and rich in vitamins. They can be used in salads or as a cooked vegetable.

  • Popularity and culture:
    Although Bull's Blood beet isn't as common as other beet varieties like Detroit or Chioggia, it has gained popularity among gardeners and rare vegetable enthusiasts due to its aesthetic and nutritional qualities.

The Bull's Blood variety is also prized for its resistance to cold climates and its ability to thrive in a variety of soils. It is grown for both its edible roots and its leaves, which add color and flavor to dishes.

  • Use and culinary value:
    In cooking, Bull's Blood beet root is used similarly to other beets: raw in salads, boiled, roasted, or in soups. Its bright color and sweet taste make it a popular choice for vegetarian dishes and salads.

Bull's Blood leaves are also highly prized and can be cooked, used in soups or stir-fried dishes, or eaten fresh in salads.
PROPERTIES

Bull's Blood beetroot, like other beet varieties, has several medicinal and nutritional properties. It is particularly rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may have beneficial effects on health. Here are some of its main medicinal properties:

  • 1. Improved blood circulation:
    Beetroot is rich in natural nitrates, which can be converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it helps relax blood vessels, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. This can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure or for improving physical performance, as improved circulation promotes better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles.
  • 2. Antioxidant properties:
    Beets, including the Bull's Blood variety, are rich in betalains, antioxidant pigments that give beets their intense red color. Betalains have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. This may also play a role in preventing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain cancers.
  • 3. Liver detoxification:
    Beets are often considered a detoxifying food, especially for the liver. They contain compounds called betaines, which support liver function by promoting the elimination of toxins and waste from the body. Beets may therefore help improve liver health and aid digestion.
  • 4. Effect on digestion:
    Beetroot is also a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity. Improved digestion can reduce constipation and promote a balanced gut microbiome.
  • 5. Anti-inflammatory properties:
    The antioxidant compounds found in beets, particularly betalains, have anti-inflammatory effects. This can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for people suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
  • 6. Support for cognitive function:
    Nitrates in beets have been shown to improve cerebral blood flow, which can promote better cognitive function and memory, especially in older adults. This may help prevent cognitive disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
  • 7. Strengthening the immune system:
    The vitamins and minerals in Bull's Blood Beetroot, such as vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and zinc, support the immune system and help strengthen the body's defenses. These nutrients are essential for preventing infections and maintaining overall good health.
  • 8. Antianemic properties:
    Beetroot is a good source of iron, making it a beneficial food for people suffering from anemia, especially pregnant women or those on iron-deficient diets. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the oxygenation of body tissues. Bull's Blood beetroot, like other beet varieties, is not only a nutritious food, but it also has several interesting medicinal properties. It can support heart health, improve blood circulation, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and protect against cell damage. Therefore, its regular use in the diet can be beneficial for overall well-being.
HOW TO COOK?

Bull's Blood beet, like other beet varieties, is a very versatile vegetable in the kitchen. It can be used in a variety of ways, both for its roots and its leaves. Here are some preparation and cooking ideas to take advantage of its benefits and unique flavor:

  • 1. Cooked Bull's Blood Beetroot (roots):
    Oven roasted:
    Ingredients: Bull's Blood beets, olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
    Preparation :
    Preheat the oven to 200°C.
    Wash the beets thoroughly, cut off the stems (leaving about 5 cm) and wrap them individually in aluminum foil.
    Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes, until tender (check by piercing them with a knife).
    Let them cool a little, then remove the skin (it should come off easily).
    Cut them into slices or cubes, season with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs of your choice, and serve hot or cold.
    Porridge :
    Ingredients: Bull's Blood Beets, Water, Salt
    Preparation :
    Peel the beets (after cooking them, if you prefer).
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    Add the whole beets (or cut into pieces if they are very large).
    Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until tender.
    Drain, let cool slightly, then cut into slices or cubes. You can season them with a little vinegar, olive oil, and herbs.
  • Mashed:
    Ingredients: Bull's Blood Beets, butter, cream (optional), salt, pepper
    Preparation :
    Cook the beets as mentioned above (by roasting or boiling).
    Once cooked, cut them into pieces and place them in a blender or potato masher.
    Add a knob of butter and a little cream (if desired for a creamier texture).
    Blend or mash until smooth, then season with salt and pepper. You can also add spices like nutmeg for extra flavor.
  • 2. Use of Bull's Blood Beet leaves:
    In salad:
    Ingredients: Bull's Blood Beet Greens, Dressing (Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt, Pepper), Other Vegetables (Optional)
    Preparation :
    Wash the Bull's Blood beet leaves and cut them into pieces.
    Mix them in a large bowl with other fresh vegetables if you like (like tomatoes, radishes, or carrots).
    Season with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
    Sautéed:
    Ingredients: Bull's Blood Beetroot Leaves, Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, Pepper
    Preparation :
    Wash and chop the beet leaves into pieces.
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    Add a chopped garlic clove and sauté for one minute.
    Add the beet greens and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
    In a soup or broth:
    Ingredients: Bull's Blood beet greens, vegetable or chicken broth, potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper
    Preparation :
    In a large saucepan, heat a little olive oil and brown a chopped onion and garlic.
    Add diced potatoes and your choice of broth.
    Cook until the potatoes are tender.
    Add the chopped Bull's Blood beet greens and cook for a few more minutes.
    Blend everything together if you prefer a smooth texture, then season with salt and pepper.
  • 3. Bull's Blood Beetroot Salad with Fruits and Nuts:
    Ingredients: Cooked Bull's Blood Beets, orange, nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc.), goat cheese or feta (optional), vinaigrette
    Preparation :
    Cook and slice the Bull's Blood beets.
    Peel and cut an orange into segments.
    Combine beets, orange segments, walnuts, and cheese (if using) in a bowl.
    Season with a vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and mustard.
  • 4. Bull's Blood Beet Juice:
    Ingredients: Raw Bull's Blood Beets, Lemon, Ginger (optional)
    Preparation :
    Wash and peel the beets.
    Cut them into pieces and put them through a juice extractor.
    Add a squeeze of lemon to balance the flavor, and fresh ginger for a little spice (optional).
    Serve the juice fresh, ideal for a healthy and revitalizing drink.
HOW TO GROW?

Adapted to the Quebec climate, this variety is resistant to winter cold and tolerates shade well. However, it prefers a location in full sun for better yield and better coloring of its roots and leaves.
Soil: Bull's Blood beet thrives in poor, humus-rich, loose, and well-drained soils. Well-aerated soil is crucial to prevent root rot.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Chenopodiaceae (Beta vulgaris)
  • Sowing in open ground: second and third week of May (consecutive sowing each week)
    To have beets in autumn, sow the first and second weeks of August.
  • Sowing depth: 1 cm
  • Germination time 5-8 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and well-drained|
  • Location: Sun, tolerates shade and winter cold very well
  • Spacing between plants: 1cm
  • Height at maturity: 10-15 cm | 7-10 cm root
  • Maturity: 45-60 days
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 100

Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

You may also like