Experience the unique and nutritious dish that is this beet green salad. Yes, we are referring to the greens on the tops of beet roots. Some people don’t even know that beets come with greens because they just purchase the roots in grocery stores. Others buy the beets with greens still attached and simply discard them. Much like any green, though, you can prepare them in several tasty ways.

A lot of people like cooking beet greens, but they actually make a lovely base for a salad. The leaves, although slightly bitter, soften up and become easily digestible after you toss them in a dressing. Not to mention, allowing beet greens to sit in a dressing for about 10-15 minutes helps counteract the inherent bitter flavor. If you taste the salad and think that the beet greens are too bitter, incorporate some romaine or butter lettuce into the mix to mellow the intensity.

Beet greens are naturally rich in calcium and plenty of nitrates, which work to lower blood pressure. Nitrates may also enhance exercise performance by improving oxygen levels in the body. Beet greens are also filled with anti-cancer properties and other micronutrients that fight inflammation, improve digestive health, and support brain health. Now that you know why you should eat them, it’s time to eat them!