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Beetroot surprise

Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 11:04 am
by JohnN
A couple of months ago my beetroot were attacked by leaf miner and lots of leaves began to turn brown. I thought I'd had it as far as a good crop was concerned, but to my surprise I've had the best crop ever, with some beets getting to the size of a small grapefruit! (The seeds were Moles F1 Pablo). I've bottled 6 jars already - 5-6 beets in a casserole dish, bit of water, microwaved on high for 20 mins, let sit for at least an hour to carry on cooking, peeled, sliced into jars and covered with Sarsons pickling vinegar with a spoonful of cane sugar. (Sorry if this should go under harvesting/cooking!)

Re: Beetroot surprise

Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 11:32 am
by oldherbaceous
Morning John, I have grown a row of Pablo for the first time, and i'm very impressed with them......although I get someone else to to the bottling for me.... :)

Re: Beetroot surprise

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 7:42 am
by Colin2016
Never knew you had to let sit for an hour to carry on cooking, or to add sugar.

I braved hot fingers to peal beetroot then put straight into vinegar guess it will be ok.

Re: Beetroot surprise

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 9:03 am
by JohnN
You don't have to let sit for an hour as long as you can accurately judge length of time it needs to cook them evenly. I just find it a bit more reliable to get them cooked to the centre by letting them carry on cooking in their own heat - and you don't burn your fingers on peeling!

Re: Beetroot surprise

Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2019 10:35 am
by Diane
My beetroot crop is looking awful this year. Boltardy - usually grows really well. I have brown patches all over the leaves this year. Haven't done anything different. I'm definitely going to try Moles F1 Pablo next year.

Re: Beetroot surprise

Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2019 9:01 pm
by Westi
Beetroot was the one crop I missed off my planting plan, I knew there was something missing but couldn't work it out (obviously busy with other stuff), but had the moment of realisation just in time to get a crop hopefully, but to hedge my bets popped a few seeds in lot's of places! Might have an overload but at least they are tough & will stand well down here They are Pablo btw!

Re: Beetroot surprise

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2019 9:54 am
by JohnN
My Pablo were given to me by a friend who is a semi-commercial gardener. The problem with buying them is that Moles appear to only sell them in batches of 2,500 minimum, for £6.50. Which is good value if you want 2,500! Anyone know how long they remain useable if stored in the fridge?

Re: Beetroot surprise

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2019 11:19 am
by oldherbaceous
Mornig John, I have some other long beetroot, seed, that is five years old and that is cropping well.....and that is coming from someone that doesn't normally take a chance with old seed.... :)