Beets

Chard - Beta vulgaris var. cibla - belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family and the Cyclolobeae tribe. The Beta genus comprises over 10 known species. Botanically speaking, chard and beet are one and the same plant. Nowadays, it's mainly the white-sided, very broad-ribbed varieties that are grown in our gardens. There are, however, many colors to choose from. According to Bois, the introduction of chard pears from Chile dates back to 1834, but he notes that as early as 1651, Gerard mentioned the existence of colored ribs. In the garden, these varieties are very attractive. Their colors are pink, red, yellow and orange. Size varies from cultivar to cultivar, as do leaf color and texture. The stems of these varieties are generally quite thin, and they are delicious steamed in an oil sauce with a little vinegar or lemon.