Named for a fishing town near Venice, ‘Chioggia’ is a pre-1840 Italian heirloom and it was brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrants around 1840. Also known as the “Candystripe” & “Bulls Eye” beet because of its red & white alternating rings, it is still very popular. Pickled, sliced or grated, it is a real beauty. Roasting them whole also preserves the colorful rings that otherwise fade with cooking. At 8% sugar level, it is among the sweetest of beets & may win over people that normally don’t like beets. Best planted between February & August in good garden soil, placed 3” apart. Harvest at 2” diameter for best flavor.

Anni J.