Begawan’s Permaculture Garden: The Nutritious Beetroot

The Begawan Permaculture Garden has entered its second year, and we are proud of its success. One of the products from our garden is beetroot, also known as beet or red beet. Despite its fruit-like appearance resembling an apple or a pear, beetroot is actually categorised as a vegetable. The commonly consumed part is the underground root, although the leaves are also edible and often used in cooking.

Origins and Cultivation

Beetroot boasts a rich history, having been known and utilised for thousands of years. The wild ancestor of beetroot, Sea beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima), is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians valued beetroot for its medicinal properties. During the Roman era, the beetroot began to resemble the form we are familiar with today.

Nutritional Goldmine

Beetroot is packed with impressive nutrients. It is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium and vitamin C. Beetroot is also renowned for its high fibre content and beneficial plant compounds such as betalains, which give beetroot its vibrant colour and which also possesses powerful antioxidant properties.

Beetroot has gained recognition in the athletic community for its potential to enhance exercise performance. The nitrates in beetroot can improve oxygen utilisation, increase stamina and reduce fatigue during physical activity. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts have started incorporating beetroot juice or powdered beetroot supplements into their pre-workout routines to reap these benefits.

Growth and Impact of Begawan Permaculture Garden

One of the unique advantages of Begawan’s beetroot, grown using organic methods, is its exceptional quality. Made, the parent of a student from Begawan Learning Centre, has recently purchased and consumed Begawan beetroot. According to Made, although the beetroot bulbs from Begawan are smaller, they have a more intense flavour compared to larger ones grown elsewhere. As a wellness & spa trainer, Made also uses this beetroot as a healthy juice for blood pressure relief, a pre-workout energy booster and as a detoxifying drink.

Gradually, the Begawan Permaculture Garden is showing results. We started with small-scale initiatives and are progressively moving towards larger endeavours. The initial production is first distributed to our own students and their parents, allowing them to enjoy improved health benefits and gain awareness of how the Begawan initiative can enhance their lives. We express our gratitude to the parents who have extended support to Begawan thus far. (Adrian)