Detroit Dark Red Beet

58 days — 'Detroit Dark Red' is probably the most recognized beet there is . . . and for good reason. Once it was introduced, it was quickly adopted by market growers for the fresh market and the canning industry as well as by gardeners. And for over one hundred years, it remains one of the most popular.

Beets are rich in the beneficial carotenoid lycopene, which are effective at scavenging the molecules that have been linked to cancer-causing free radicals. Bright red vegetables are also shown to be useful in increasing blood flow and circulation which is beneficial for heart and lung health.

The roots are globe shaped, excellent color, sweet, smooth and tender. Very tasty fresh out of the garden, but they also maintain their taste and texture after being canned or pickled. We also personally enjoy harvesting tender, immature leaves as "baby greens" and adding them into our tossed salads to add additional flavor.

Originally developed by a Mr. Reeves of Port Hope, Ontario, Canada by making selections for specific traits from the old European variety, 'Early Blood Turnip'. Further selections and improvements were made by the D. M. Ferry Seed Company who introduced in the United States in their 1892 catalog as 'Detroit Dark Red Turnip' beet.^[1] Each packet contains four grams which is approximately 200 seeds. Each ounce contains about 620 seeds.