August 2021: Boro Beets

This month's seed kit features Boro Beets! To support our environment, some seed kit materials are now available digitally.

Boro Beets

Tough, widely adapted, and reliable with excellent flavor. Matures in about 50 days.

Planting Instructions

• Culture: Sow seeds after last frost and up to 8 weeks before freezing weather. Plant seeds 2" apart and 1/2" deep in rows; rows should be 12-18" apart. For continuous supply of greens, sow seeds in 2-week intervals. Full sun exposure.
• Water: Beets need well-irrigated soil to prevent diseases. Keep the soil moist and water beets when soil becomes dry.
• Harvest: Beets should be harvested approximately 60-90 days after planting. Gently pull the beets out of the soil by the base of the stem.

More About Boro Beets

• Did You Know: Beets were cultivated in ancient Greece and Rome, and are said to have been grown in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon! In addition to being tasty, beets are a great source of fiber and nutrients.
• More Fun Facts: Sugar beets (generally white in color) were once a major crop in the East Bay. A factory that converted sugar beets to the type of sugar we buy at the grocery store operated in the Alvarado Niles area from 1870 to 1967. A historical marker for the factory is located at 30849 Dyer Street in Union City.

Roasted Beets

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 beets, peeled and cut into ¾" cubes
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tbsp. thyme (fresh or dried)
• ½ tbsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tbsp. ground black pepper
• 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Remove the tops and the roots of the beets and peel each one with a vegetable peeler. Cut the beets into ¾" cubes.
3. Place the beets on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, turning once or twice with a spatula, until beets are tender. Remove from oven and toss.

Community Spotlight: Urban Tilth

Urban Tilth is a community-supported agriculture organization based out of Richmond, CA. They grow their produce for schools, individuals and families in the community, and urban farms.

They supported families in need during the pandemic with free CSA boxes! Check them out on their website.