Why is beetroot so red? This is due to betacyanin, a pigment which gives the bulbs its deep red colour and, at the same time, is a powerful source of defence against cancer cells. The colour is the result of the propagation of the vegetable.
But beetroot is not only recommended for health reasons; it is also an inexpensive winter vegetable. Today, these plants – which belong to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) – are grown in countries with temperate climates. They originally come from the Mediterranean region, probably from North Africa.