Organic Beet Tops

Beet tops are the leafy green leaves that grow from the top of a beet plant. They are edible and have a flavor often described as earthy and slightly bitter, similar to spinach or Swiss chard. They are typically harvested and sold fresh, often still attached to the beet root, or as pre-packaged greens.

Beet tops are used as a fresh leafy green vegetable in salads, sautés, and other cooked dishes. Manufacturers include them in packaged salad blends and vegetable mixes to add variety, color, and nutritional value. Their slightly bitter taste can complement other greens and ingredients.

Beet tops are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. They are a source of vitamins and minerals. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many food ingredients, but specific evaluations for beet tops as a distinct ingredient are not widely published. Like other leafy greens, they contain oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals when consumed in very large amounts.