Beetroot- twist or chop?

[WendyC]

I know the usual advice for removing beetroot leaves is to twist them off to prevent "bleeding". However I have found that this generally makes a terrible mess and they bleed just the same. So I now cut them off cleanly with my secateurs, the ends dry over in no time and don't bleed, in the same way you'd want a clean cut when pruning. I haven't noticed excessive bleeding when boiled either.

I had this conversation with a chap at the allotment this morning and wondered what other people do?

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

I twist, coz as you say that is the conventional thing to do, but not as near to the root to cause bleeding, then once boiled, roasted or whatever, I then cut off the remainder of the stalks, but saying what your saying! Makes sense really!

[PyreneesPlot]

I cut about an inch from the root and then pull out the stalks after cooking (boiling or roasting) whole.

[Bill Door]

Well I was thinking about this the other day. I have always twisted the leaves off. However, I noticed that the water had turned red. The Beetroot had been in cold water for about an hour. the only damage was the stalks. So I had planned on giving them the chop next time just to see what happens.

How far up the stalks do you cut WendyC?

By the way the beetroot were fine after cooking, still nice and red/purple.

regards
Bill

[roitelet]

I have cut very large beetroot into chunks and roasted them. They have not lost their colour but I am not sure what would happen if they were boiled.

[Greenleaves]

I chop mine about 2" from the beet, really dont think it makes much difference

[Chippy Minton]

I twist ... because I've usually forgotten to take the sneckers with me

[Nicos]

I'm also one of these.....



But more accurately, from the mess I always make in the kitchen, it's more one of these.....



....about 3" from the root