Sugar

Abstract

II.

THE Beet-root (Beta vulgaris) is a native of the south of Europe, and is said to have been introduced into England in 1656. It is a hardy biennial plant with reddish purple leaves and large fleshy roots, which in some varieties are long or spindle-shaped like a carrot, in others short and thick, almost like a turnip. The colour also varies, some forms being of a deep purple, while others are of a dirty white with a purple tinge. Internally the beet-root is of a blood-red colour. It is well known with us both as a pickle and as a salad plant, but it is much more extensively used even for these purposes in Germany and France than it is in England.