200 Plus Cylindra Beet Seeds and 43 similar items

Cylindra beets are named for their long, cylindrical roots that sometimes grow up to six or eight inches. These heirloom beets have a smooth dark maroon skin and a deep red flesh. Cylindra beets have a sweet flavor and a fine grain. The beet tops (or greens) are also sweeter than more common round beets. Seasons/AvailabilityCylindra beets are available during the summer months, with a peak season in mid-summer. Current FactsDesired for their uniform shape and size, Cylindra beets are known as “Butter Slicer” beets because of their texture and ease of slicing. Carrot-shaped Cylindra beets are widely used in processing because of their uniform shape and size. The shape of the beets allows for greater regularity when slicing than with round varieties. They are favored by chefs and home cooks alike for their shape in addition to being easy to peel. Perfect for pickling, the Cylindra beets are also great for roasting, baking or steaming and adding to salads or as a side for a meat dish. The deep red color of the beets can stain, be sure to wear gloves when peeling or handling Cylindra beets. Geography/HistoryCylindra or Formanova beets are an heirloom variety from Denmark believed to have been developed in the 1880s. They were first introduced to American gardeners around 1900. This variety of Beta vulgaris is generally planted close together because it grows longer than wider than the round varieties, thus achieving a higher crop yield. Cylindra beets grow best in mild, cooler climates. BASIC NUTRITION 1/2-cup serving of boiled beets contains 37 calories. This root vegetable is low in fat, with 0.15 g per serving. You will not get much in the way of protein, either – each serving provides only 1 g of the 56 g of protein you need per day to meet your nutritional needs. The majority of the calories in beets come from carbohydrates. Each serving of this vegetable has 8 g of the 225 to 325 g of carbs required daily. Additionally, you get 2 g of fiber, a nutrient that helps prevent constipation and diarrhea. VITAMINS Beets serve as a good source of folate, a B vitamin. Each serving of this vegetable contains 17 percent of the daily recommended intake of this vitamin based on a 2,000 calorie diet, which makes beets a good choice if you’re a woman planning to conceive -- folate helps prevent spinal birth defects. In addition, you take in 5 percent of the vitamin C you need each day and smaller amounts of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and pantothenic acid. MINERALS Eat beets to boost your manganese intake. Each portion provides 14 percent of the amount of this mineral you require daily. Manganese keeps your brain and nerves functioning correctly and contributes to your body’s ability to make certain hormones and connective tissue. You consume 7 percent of the potassium you need every day, as well as 5 percent of the suggested intake for magnesium. Beets also contain calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper and selenium. COLON CANCER PREVENTION POTENTIAL Including beets in your meal plan may improve the health of your colon. An article on the Gayot website notes that betacyanin, a compound in beets, may provide protection against colon cancer. An animal study published in the June 2000 edition of the journal Nahrung correlates fiber from red beets with a reduction in precancerous cells, although it did not decrease the number of tumors. Human studies are needed to confirm these findings. GROWING INFORMATION CULTURE:First-rate crops grow quickly in light or loamy soils with a pH over 6.0. In general, cool temperatures produce the best flesh color. Acute weather fluctuations will cause zoning (white rings) in the roots. TRANSPLANTING:Sow seed in a cold frame or indoors in early spring, about 5-6 weeks before transplanting out after heavy frosts become infrequent. Sow seeds 1/2" deep, 3-4 seeds per inch. Transplant out 3" apart in rows 12-18" apart. DIRECT SEEDING:Begin early sowings when soil has warmed to 45F/7C. Sow 15 seeds/ft. 1/2" deep, rows 12-18" apart. Thin to 1 plant per 2". For a continuous supply of greens and small tender beets, sow seed at 2-week intervals until 8 weeks before regular heavy frosts are expected.