Early Blood Turnip Beet, 1825 Heirloom, Ark of Taste Variety

This variety is more than just a vegetable; it is a culinary treasure. The Early Blood Turnip Beet is a featured variety in the Slow Food Ark of Taste, a prestigious international catalog of endangered heirloom foods.

Why it matters: By growing this beet, you are actively participating in the preservation of agricultural biodiversity. It was selected for the Ark of Taste because of its exceptional sugary sweetness and tender texture—qualities often lost in modern, mass-produced "supermarket" beets.

• True Heirloom Status: A documented favorite in American gardens since at least 1840.
• Deep Crimson Color: Features striking dark red flesh with very faint, beautiful interior rings.
• Dual-Purpose Crop: Produces tender, earthy roots AND lush, red-veined greens that are delicious sautéed.
• Superior Texture: Unlike woody modern varieties, the "Blood Turnip" remains crisp and tender even when it grows quite large.
• Excellent Storage: Known for keeping its firm texture and sweetness long after harvest when stored in a cool cellar.

The Early Blood Turnip Beet is a "Slow Food" favorite because it rewards the patient gardener with a depth of flavor that modern hybrids cannot match. It is remarkably fast-maturing, making it an excellent choice for both early spring plantings and late fall harvests.

Because it is an open-pollinated heirloom, the flavor is concentrated and sugary, making it the premier choice for roasting, pickling, or grating raw into salads for a vibrant pop of color.

1. Sowing: Direct sow outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost. Beets love cool weather!
2. Depth: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.
3. Thinning is Key: Each beet "seed" is actually a small cluster of seeds. To get large, round roots, you must thin the seedlings to 3–4 inches apart once they are 2 inches tall.
4. Soil Tip: Ensure your soil is free of large rocks to allow the "turnip" shape to develop perfectly symmetrical.
5. Harvest: For the most "Ark of Taste" gourmet experience, harvest when the roots are between 2 and 3 inches in diameter.