What is the difference between sugar beet and fodder beet?

Agricultural experts advise giving preference only to local domestic varieties. While they have nothing against American-bred varieties, the results of their extensive selection efforts are characterized by less pronounced flavor, lower yields, and difficulty adapting to Russian climate conditions. It is crucial to know which ones beet varieties are popular, what are the individual types and how fodder beets differ from sugar beets.

Popular vegetable varieties: beetroot

First, it's important to determine the intended purpose for growing this vegetable, as not all beet varieties that can be grown in your own garden are suitable for adding to borscht, vinaigrette, or beetroot soup. Only the variety scientifically known as "table beet" is considered cultivated. This vegetable has a thick, fleshy root of a dark scarlet or deep crimson hue. Its subspecies is also known as leaf beet, popular in the West under a different name—"chard." This biennial plant is popular in Europe and North America.

Table beets have two subspecies, with European and Asian varieties also becoming widespread. The first group includes fodder, sugar, and table beets, which were used in cooking throughout the Old World. A distinctive feature of the Asian varieties is their small size and poorly developed roots. Since many people don't know the difference between fodder and sugar beets, it's worth paying closer attention.

Fodder beet and sugar beet: what's the difference?

In Russia, beets have long been an indispensable ingredient in livestock feed. They have been actively included in cattle diets since the 18th century. Fodder beets have deservedly become widespread in Russia and have become a staple crop. Their lactogenic properties have a beneficial effect on cows' milk production. This healthy fodder vegetable enriches animals with numerous vitamins, microelements, acids, and other nutrients, which in turn improves their productivity and the birth of healthy offspring. Thanks to fodder beets, the use of concentrates is rarely used on farms during the winter.

We recommend: Planting beets with seeds in open ground

Fodder beets are often sold as table beets at markets. To avoid being tricked by unscrupulous sellers, it's important to know that fodder beets are particularly large. Despite their high fiber content, table beets are the most suitable for human consumption.

Visually, it's easy to spot the difference between fodder beets and sugar beets. The latter are always white and have a slightly elongated shape. The primary purpose of sugar beets is evident from their name. Indeed, this product is ideal for sugar production, as a fifth of its composition is glucose. It is also grown specifically for animal feed.

Chernozem soils are considered ideal for growing sugar beets, so Ukraine, rich in such soils, undoubtedly ranks first in sugar beet production. Following Ukraine in the ranking are the southern regions of Russia, and Belarus rounds out the top three. Each country grows beets, typically German-bred varieties. Imported hybrids thrive in Slavic soil, producing a bountiful harvest each year and contributing to the development of sugar production in these countries.

Swiss chard or Swiss chard

The difference between fodder beets and sugar beets is easy to understand. However, few people have heard of Swiss chard, and it's unlikely anyone can even imagine what it looks like. Swiss chard (as it's also called) is widely grown in European countries. This vegetable crop is renowned for its high levels of carotene, plant protein, vitamins, and many other nutrients essential for human health. Its appearance bears no resemblance to the roots of fodder or sugar beets, as its leafy appearance resembles spinach. The color of the petioles, stems, and leaf shape are the primary identifiers of a particular variety. Swiss chard can have either curly or smooth leaves, and its petioles can be white, pinkish, or deep red.

We recommend: Planting carrots and beets in spring: getting it done on time

The advantage of this vegetable is its low maintenance. Swiss chard is easy to grow, copes well with cold temperatures, doesn't suffer from excess moisture, and thrives in the scorching sun. A single season allows for multiple harvests.

Leaf beet, like other beet varieties (the difference between fodder beet and sugar beet is described earlier), is in great demand among residents of southern Europe. In Russia, this beet variety is rarely used in cooking, which cannot be said for table beet.

How to grow beetroot in your garden?

Everyone knows it, so how could you make borscht without it? Bright red beets, once used in Rus' as a natural blush, have numerous beneficial properties. Beets are most often eaten boiled, but raw beets are also often eaten. Juicing the root or eating a few of the tops can boost your immunity. Incidentally, in winter, when fresh fruits and vegetables are limited, beets are one of the few crops available fresh almost year-round. However, it's important to remember that not all varieties of table beets have a long shelf life.

Each of the varieties described above can be grown independently in your own garden. Since table and fodder beets are the most popular crops, it's important to discuss some aspects of growing these varieties, especially since the differences between fodder beets, sugar beets, and table beets are already known.

Although this vegetable crop is undemanding, following certain planting guidelines will ensure the plant receives the best possible conditions. First, it's advisable to choose a sunny spot in the garden. Ideally, the chosen area should be tilled before winter and enriched with garden compost.

They sow beets, typically in late April or early May. A prepared seedbed is fertilized with complex organic fertilizer and left for a couple of weeks, after which the seeds can be planted. If the planned harvest is to provide beets for the entire winter, the crop can be sown in the soil even as early as June. By harvesting the roots in October and placing them in dry sand, the beet reserves will last until spring.

Regardless of the difference between fodder beets, sugar beets, or table beets, all varieties require mandatory thinning. Once the plant reaches 3 cm in height, it becomes crowded, so no more than one root should be left in the hole. Pulled seedlings are not suitable for further transplanting.

It may be necessary to ensure adequate protection of the plant from pests, weeds, and birds. Throughout the beet growing season, it's important to ensure the vegetable crop receives sufficient, consistent soil loosening. Although the plant thrives in dry conditions, watering should not be neglected. A lack of moisture can lead to toughening of the fruit, after which even sudden rainfall will be of no benefit—the beets will split. Every gardener should know: How to grow potatoes wisely without weeding or hilling.

Now that much has become clear about both beet cultivation and its various species (in particular, the difference between fodder beets and sugar beets), there's no doubt you can try growing this vegetable yourself. A bountiful harvest will be a true reward for all your hard work and effort.