Ingredient Name: Beetroot, red beet, garden beet, or beet
Traditional Chinese Name: 紅菜頭 (hóng cài tóu)
What is this?
A dark, red root that brings a rich, bright red color to your soup
The texture of the beetroot (when boiled in soup) is similar to that of the white radish and takes awhile to soften relative to other rooty veggies (carrots and potatoes)
Be sure to select beetroots that are firm in texture with a vibrant colour (not squishy or soft feeling) – this means they are fresh!
This root brings a mild and sweet taste to the soup that is awesome!
How do I prepare it?
Cut off the top (or the leaves) as I don’t use it in my soups
You can treat this like any other root (ie: carrot, potatoes)
Rinse under warm water to wash away the dirt and remove the skin by peeling or slicing away
Slice or chop into edible sizes (as the beet doesn’t dissolve or soften as quickly as carrots or potatoes)
Where can I buy this?
Most supermarkets will carry this
What is the cost?
In Hong Kong, 1 root (as pictured above) costs around $22 HKD (which is pretty expensive for a veggie!) at the wet mart
Any benefits?
The beetroot provides an excellent source of folate, manganese, potassium and iron
Excellent in supporting blood supplement and helps lower blood pressure (because the beetroot contains nitrates which help open the blood vessels and helps with circulation)
They are also packed with Vitamins and antioxidants
Beetroots are also a great source of fibre, so it can be definitely eaten like a meal as part of your soup
Any precautions?
Consumption of beetroot may turn your urine or stool slightly reddish, there is nothing to fear in this as it is harmless. Just let it pass through your system.
The colour of the beetroot will stain your hands, so either wear gloves or use some lemon juice to help remove
Sweet, starchy tuber that resembles the potato in shape and size
The colours of sweet potatoes range from dark brown to light pink to dark purple with varying colours on the inside (there are over 1,000 variaties of sweet potatoes)
Often mistaken for or named Yam (which is a different vegetable)
Sweet potatoes can be found almost everywhere in the world
It has many culinary uses (from sweet to salty flavours)
How do I prepare it?
Wash thoroughly in cool water
Peel skin prior to use and remove ends
Where can I buy this?
You can buy from most supermarkets
What is the cost?
Sweet potatoes cost varies depending on the breed, size and originality
In general, I usually purchase Japanese sweet potatoes and those cost around $50 HKD per pound
Any benefits?
Extremely rich in beta-carotene, dietary fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin B
Good source of simple starches
Choose orange fleshed sweet potatoes for a boost of beta-carotene over their paler counterparts
Any precautions?
Be sure to buy firm sweet potatoes
Any substitutes?
The yam makes a good substitute as they are similar in taste and texture (although bigger and have thicker skin)
Any additional information?
Sweet potatoes stores extremely well in dry weather and can keep up to 3-6 months without refrigeration
