Juurikka

Juurikka is a root vegetable from the species Beta vulgaris, belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. In modern Finnish, the common name for this plant is punajuuri, while juurikka is primarily found in older or regional usage and is often considered dialectal or historical. The plant is cultivated for its enlarged taproot, which stores nutrients.

The root is typically round to oval, with a smooth skin and flesh that can be deep red or purple. Varieties also exist with golden flesh or striped patterns, such as the Chioggia beet. Leaves are broad and edible as greens. The plant is biennial in the wild but cultivated as an annual in agriculture.

Cultivation and uses: juurikka thrives in cool, moist conditions and well-drained soil. It prefers a soil pH around neutral to slightly acidic and requires consistent moisture for good root development. Depending on the variety, maturity ranges from a couple of months to about two months after sowing. Culinary uses include boiling, roasting, steaming, pickling, and raw in salads. The leaves can be eaten as greens. Sugar beet, a domesticated form of the same species, is grown specifically for sugar production.

Nutrition and health: beets are a source of dietary fiber, folate, and minerals such as manganese and potassium. They contain nitrates and betalains, which are studied for potential health effects. Some people experience beeturia, a harmless red coloration of urine or stools, after consuming beets. They also contain oxalates, which may be a consideration for individuals prone to kidney stones.

See also: beet, sugar beet, borscht, Chioggia beet.