So, “toxic” was the magic search word and it turns out that beet leaves may contain toxic levels of soluble oxalates and can cause muscle weakness in humans and a few nasty problems for horses. But what about the beets themselves? There was no mention of sprouting beets. So, I’m going to assume that the farmer selling these beets knows they are perfectly safe to eat (I hope!). However, I’m cutting off those sprouts.

When it comes to cooking I defer to my wife’s expertise. Her suggestion is to boil the beets, then peel them. Evidently for some veggies, such as potatoes, the skin can become toxic when they begin to re-sprout.

But whether you eat them or not, I love the shot!