Explore essential facts about root vegetable nutrition in horticulture with a focus on beetroots, helping you learn key nutrients and cultivation factors that affect their value.
Which major nutrient commonly found in beetroot is responsible for its reddish-purple color and antioxidant properties?
Explanation: Betalain is the pigment responsible for the distinctive red-purple color and antioxidant benefits in beetroots. Beta-carotene gives orange pigment mainly in carrots, chlorophyll provides green color and is not prominent in roots, and lycopene is the red antioxidant in tomatoes, not beets.
Beetroot is particularly known to be a good source of which vitamin important for blood health?
Explanation: Beetroot is rich in folate (vitamin B9), which is crucial for cell division and blood health. Vitamin C is present but in lower quantities, vitamin K is more notable in leafy greens, and vitamin D is not naturally found in root vegetables.
In a vegetable garden with low potassium levels, which root vegetable may develop poor storage quality and weaker flavor as a result?
Explanation: Beetroots require good potassium for optimal storage and flavor; inadequate potassium can affect quality. While potassium benefits all vegetables, beetroots are especially sensitive, whereas radishes, carrots, and turnips show different deficiency symptoms.
Compared to potatoes, beetroots are typically higher in which dietary component that aids digestion?
Explanation: Beetroots generally have more dietary fiber per serving than potatoes, aiding digestion. Vitamin A is not abundant in beets, starch is more prominent in potatoes, and fat content in both is minimal.
Which horticultural practice can help maximize the nutrient content in root vegetables like beetroot?
Explanation: Crop rotation helps prevent nutrient depletion and disease buildup, supporting stronger, more nutritious roots. Leaf pruning is less relevant for root development, excess watering can lead to root rot, and heavy clay impedes healthy root growth.