Beet Root?

[WorldsBestMom]

Ok so what do you guys know about Beet Root? In addition can it be used as an alternative sweetener...

[cristeen]

I assume you're referring to sugar beets? Those are a different beast from the beets you find in the produce section, so no, you can't use them as a sugar alternative (although even if you used sugar beets, it wouldn't be an alternative, it would be like using sugar cane).

Beets are a great veggie when they're cooked right, but so many people only know the canned kind, that they have a bad reputation.

[WorldsBestMom]

Historically I was doing a little research and I know Beet Roots otherwise known as Sugar Beets were used as sugar alternatives wayyyy back in Europe.

So then I pose the question has anyone used Sugar Beets/Beet Roots what is the quality like?

[ltlmrs]

I think something like half the world sugar comes from beets. And in the US a big portion of the white sugar they sell at stores is from beets even if it does't say so.

However, the beet growers got together and have basically banned non-GMO beets, so non-GMO beet sugar is impossible to get.

[Magelet]

It's not really a sugar alternative, it IS sugar. I don't think you can take sugar beets and use them as is or anything, kwim? I think they require processing. and then they are refined sugar.

[WorldsBestMom]

Originally Posted by ltlmrs

I think something like half the world sugar comes from beets. And in the US a big portion of the white sugar they sell at stores is from beets even if it does't say so.

However, the beet growers got together and have basically banned non-GMO beets, so non-GMO beet sugar is impossible to get.

Well I don't know if half the worlds sugar comes from beets. I know sugar cane is first choice when it comes to producing sugar especially in the Caribbean.

[ltlmrs]

Originally Posted by WorldsBestMom

Well I don't know if half the worlds sugar comes from beets. I know sugar cane is first choice when it comes to producing sugar especially in the Caribbean.

You're right, it's more like a third. I only said that because where I'm from sugar beets are a big source of sugar since it's much more expensive to ship in sugar cane and it gets exaggerated in my mind for the rest of the world.

To the OP, there are white beets if you don't like the red getting everywhere and coloring your soups. You didn't say that you didn't like the bleeding color of beets, but sometimes that's why people avoid cooking with them.