BULLS BLOOD

(Beta vulgaris)  American heirloom dating back to 1900's & originally grown for its attractive leaves.  Attractive, deep-red foliage displaying a dark red root & internal rings with colour & flavour intensifying as it matures.  Excellent variety for 'baby beets' and its dark leaves for use in salads.  The dark red juice is also widely used as a red food colouring.  Selected by Kees Sahin in the Netherlands from the French variety 'Crapaudine' for its darker coloured leaves.  35-65 days.  200 seeds

HISTORY:  Beetroot has been cultivated since early Greece & Rome, when white beets shared equal popularity with red.  Early beetroot were long & carrot like in appearance with the round beetroot only becoming popular during the late 19th & 20th century.