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Yellow Beets: Everything about Taste, Cultivation and Use

Less well known than its red counterpart, the yellow beet is gaining in popularity. Here you can find out how red and yellow beets differ, what is important when planting yellow beets and how to use them in the kitchen.

In addition to the beetroot, you will increasingly find yellow or white beets at the weekly market or in the vegetable displays of some supermarkets. Beetroot is often less conspicuous because of its less intense color – but it is a healthy, tasty and regional winter vegetable that you can use in many ways in the kitchen. We will explain what makes them different from beetroot, how you can plant and harvest them yourself and which dishes they are suitable for.

Yellow beetroot and beetroot: That’s the difference

Both the beetroot and the yellow beet originally came from the wild beet (Beta vulgaris). Today’s beet is a cultivated form of this plant. Other types of vegetables that go back to the wild beet are, for example, the sugar beet or Swiss chard.

From a botanical point of view, the yellow beet is just a variant of the beetroot – it is not a separate variety. The dye betaxanthin is responsible for their yellow colour, while the strong red of beetroot comes from the dye betanin.

Apart from the colour, yellow and beetroot differ only slightly. Their nutrient content is similar: Both types provide various B vitamins in particular, as well as iron and folic acid. Both betaxanthin and betanine belong to the betalain family, which have antioxidant effects.

Basically, the yellow beetroot is a little milder and sweeter in taste than the red variety. For people who are bothered by the slightly earthy taste of beetroot, the yellow version can therefore be a more pleasant alternative.

Planting yellow beets: you should pay attention to this

If you want to plant yellow beetroot in your own garden, you should choose a sunny and deep location: The beets develop so-called taproots that reach far into the ground. In addition, humus-rich soil is recommended for good growth. Apart from that, the yellow beet is relatively undemanding. Only very heavy soils (clay soils) can cause problems.

It is best to buy the seed for the yellow beet in organic quality – you can get tips and information on the advantages of organic seed in our overview. Between May and July you can sow the yellow beet seeds directly into the bed.

How to plant yellow beets:

Make seeding rows 4 inches apart and place the seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in the bed.
After sowing, cover them with soil about an inch or two deep.
After about two to three weeks, the seeds should start to germinate. If you then find that the plants are too close together, you may need to separate them – for the beets to grow well, they need enough space. In this case, loosen the soil around a plant with a toothpick, carefully remove it, and replant it in a suitable spot.
You should also water the plants regularly during growth: always keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Apart from watering, the yellow beet does not need any additional care.
By the way: The yellow beet is well suited for mixed cultures. It’s best to choose plants that grow low so they don’t take away the sunlight from the yellow beets. You can plant kohlrabi, radishes or chives in the same bed, for example. Be careful not to plant yellow beets in a spot where you have previously grown goosefoot or foxtail plants. These include, for example, spinach, chard or sugar beets. With such a crop rotation, the yellow beets are susceptible to diseases and the soil loses nutrients, because these plants have very similar requirements.

Harvesting and storing yellow beets

You can harvest the yellow beets from September right into the winter months. It usually takes about three months between sowing and harvesting. You should get the yellow beetroot out of the ground before the onset of frost at the latest – they can cope with temperatures down to zero degrees Celsius, but they don’t tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

How to harvest yellow beets:

To harvest, use a small shovel or special digging fork to loosen the soil around the beets.
Then you can easily pull them out.
When there is plenty of excess soil on the beets, roughly pat them off. If you intend to store your harvest, you should leave a little soil on it – this increases its shelf life. While you can gently twist off the root of the beetroot about an inch below the beet, you should not remove the leaves.
A sand-filled box in the basement or a storage pit (earth heap) in the garden is best suited for storing yellow beets. With cool temperatures of around zero to one degree Celsius, the beets last all winter. If you don’t have a basement or a storage pit, you can also preserve the yellow beets by boiling them down. You can do this in the same way as with beetroot.

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Food

Quinoline yellow: This is behind the additive E 104

Quinoline yellow is questionable as a food coloring – experts are still researching how much. Here’s how the substance is likely to affect your health and how best to avoid it.

Quinoline Yellow is an artificial coloring. The yellow powder gives industrially produced foods in particular a more intense tint. Quinoline yellow can hide not only in yellow, but also in green-colored foods: when mixed with a blue dye, it creates a green tint.

However, the use of artificial dyes such as quinoline yellow is quite controversial. Research results have been known for some time that indicate connections between dyes and health risks. Most studies refer to a special group of artificial colors, the so-called azo dyes. Although quinoline yellow does not belong directly to this group by chemical definition, it can be identified using the same analytical methods. Studies on the effects of the additives on humans often examine quinoline yellow and azo dyes together.

Can quinoline yellow be harmful to health?

Due to the worrying information, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently re-examining all previously approved coloring agents in a large-scale study. Quinoline yellow is specifically suspected of promoting the following diseases, among others:

Hyperactivity in children (ADHD syndrome):

An English study from 2007 triggered renewed scientific discussion about artificial colourants. As a result, the study establishes a connection between certain dyes, the preservative sodium benzoate (E 211) and hyperactivity in children. The EFSA names the affected dyes: In addition to quinoline yellow (E104), five azo dyes have also been noticed. They are Tartrazine (E102), Sunset Yellow (E110), Ponceau 4R (E124), Allura Red (E129) and Carmoisin (E122).
Surveys by the EFSA showed that the additives mentioned are widespread in soft drinks such as lemonades or in sweets. In this way, children could ingest dangerously high amounts of the substances. However, the EFSA has not yet been able to confirm the conclusions of the English study. A final risk assessment by EFSA for all substances is not yet available. However, there are already interim reports for some of the dyes – including quinoline yellow.

In its 2009 risk assessment for quinoline yellow, the EFSA drastically reduced the previous maximum value as a precaution. The so-called ADI value indicates the daily intake that is considered harmless (“acceptable daily intake”). For quinoline yellow it is now a maximum of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Before that, the range was zero to ten milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
The Bavarian State Office for Food Safety also refers to the statutory EU regulation, which prescribes a warning for the additives mentioned. Foods containing quinoline yellow or any of the other coloring agents must indicate the possible health consequences for children on the packaging.
According to Foodwatch, for example, Haribo has dispensed with the artificial colors in question since the reclassification in order to avoid the warning. Foodwatch also asks why the EU requires a warning but has not issued a ban. For example, foodstuffs containing quinoline yellow may not be imported into the USA.
Hives (Urticaria):

Like many of the azo dyes, quinoline yellow can presumably worsen the course of certain skin diseases. A study shows that the dye quinoline yellow can trigger a renewed flare-up of the disease. It is typical of this skin disease that it occurs in flares due to environmental triggers such as food.

Is quinoline yellow carcinogenic?

When it comes to the question of whether quinoline yellow may promote cancer or damage the genetic material, experts are not in agreement. However, various studies suggest that it is.

Is quinoline yellow carcinogenic? A study on laboratory animals suggests an increased risk of cancer from the food coloring. However, the study dates back to 1997 and is therefore more than twenty years old.
Is quinoline yellow mutagenic? This is the result of another study from 2004. Using laboratory tests on cell cultures, it identified potentially genotoxic – i.e. mutagenic – effects.
EFSA cannot confirm such conclusions in its 2009 report on quinoline yellow. According to the organization, their research found no scientific evidence that quinoline yellow could cause cancer in humans or cause genetic damage.

However, it remains questionable whether the question has been finally resolved. Recent research points in the direction that quinoline yellow could trigger undesirable reactions in the body. A study from 2018 shows that the dye can react with certain proteins in the blood plasma. However, it is not clear from the study whether such reactions may lead to health problems.

Where quinoline yellow can be found – and how to avoid it

You can recognize quinoline yellow by the E number E 104 on the list of ingredients. You can also download an app that shows you questionable content and explains the E number, for example from Codecheck. With these products, it is particularly worth looking at the additives – they could contain quinoline yellow:

The knowledge magazine Spektrum reports that the food industry often uses quinoline yellow to color drinks, jams, sweets or desserts.
According to the code check, companies help with some energy drinks, lemonades, fruit gums or vanilla sauce with the coloring agent.
Quinoline Yellow can also be found in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. These include, for example, vitamin preparations or the coating of various capsules and tablets. By the way: The green color of the cold syrup Wick Medinait is also due to a mixture of quinoline yellow and blue dye.

The best way to avoid possible health risks from quinoline yellow is to use fresh food. Many of the products that are available ready-made can also be made by yourself with simple means. The big advantage: You then know exactly what is in your meals or snacks. Here are some tips:

You can mix soft drinks such as lemonade or iced tea quickly and with just a few ingredients according to your own preferences.
Jam: With this basic recipe you will succeed in making fruity jam.
You can also easily make fruit gums or sugar caramel yourself.
Coffee: Instead of an energy drink, brew a cup of coffee. When you buy organic coffee, you can be sure that it doesn’t contain any harmful pesticides. It is best to also look out for a Fairtrade seal.
Cold: Herbal home remedies relieve the symptoms of a cold in a natural way – and are free of artificial colors.
If possible, use organic products from the organic market or a regional farm shop as ingredients. You can orientate yourself to organic seals that do not use any artificial additives, such as Bioland, Demeter or Naturland.

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Angola

Cocada Amarela (Yellow Coconut Sweet)

Introduction: What is Cocada Amarela?

Cocada Amarela, also known as Yellow Coconut Sweet, is a popular Brazilian dessert made from grated coconut, sugar, and eggs. This sweet treat is often found in street markets, bakeries, and homes throughout Brazil. Its unique texture and sweet flavor make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Cocada Amarela is typically served in small, round portions that can be eaten as a snack or dessert. The coconut gives the dessert a chewy texture, while the sugar adds a sweet flavor that is balanced by the eggs. This dessert can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Brazilian sweets like brigadeiro or beijinho.

History and Origin of Cocada Amarela

The origins of Cocada Amarela are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Northeastern Brazil. The dessert is thought to have been introduced to Brazil by African slaves during the colonial period. The recipe has evolved over time, with variations appearing in different regions throughout Brazil.

Cocada Amarela has become an important part of Brazilian cuisine and culture. It is often served during celebrations and festivals, such as the Festa Junina, a traditional Brazilian festival held in June. The dessert is also popular during the Christmas season and is often given as a gift to friends and family.

Recipe for Making Cocada Amarela at Home

To make Cocada Amarela at home, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 3 cups of freshly grated coconut
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup of water

To prepare the Cocada Amarela:

  1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the grated coconut to the saucepan and stir well to combine.
  3. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a light yellow color.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the egg yolks.
  5. Return the saucepan to the heat and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
  7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the Cocada Amarela into small, round portions and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Let the Cocada Amarela cool completely before serving.

Making Cocada Amarela at home is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this traditional Brazilian dessert. With its unique flavor and texture, it’s no wonder why Cocada Amarela has become a beloved treat throughout Brazil and beyond.

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health

What Can You Do about Yellow Teeth?

For all of us, a radiant smile is always the first and best impression we make on other people. But what if our teeth aren’t as nice and white as they appear in the toothpaste ads or have become a bit yellowish from smoking or drinking tea and coffee?

What can you do about yellow teeth?

We all want beautiful, white teeth, but unfortunately, not all of us have that naturally. Tooth discoloration is not always exclusively due to dental care or a lack of dental care. Tooth color is different for everyone and differs in the structure of the tooth tissue. In addition to the enamel, this includes the pulp and dentin. All of them together results in the corresponding color of our teeth. Tooth color can also change with age. But also mouthwashes which many of us use every day for good breath unfortunately leave ugly residues on our teeth. Deposits of darker-colored foreign matter under the enamel often result in additional color changes.

Brushing your teeth is the most important thing for white teeth

But in order to get healthy and beautiful white teeth, we should attach great importance to proper and constant brushing. Therefore, we should brush our teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. So that we don’t destroy the valuable tooth enamel, we should also pay attention to the following: never brush your teeth immediately after consuming fruit acids. This damages the tooth enamel. So brushing your teeth would do more harm than good.

So always wait at least 1 hour after meals before cleaning. There is also a very simple variant and a special trick for the additional use of toothpaste for yellowish discolored teeth. Take some baking soda at least once a week and just brush your teeth with it as you normally would. Thanks to the ingredients in the baking powder, the yellowish discoloration simply rubs off and the teeth will be significantly lighter. Although it is not enough with the one-off application, over time the special result will become apparent. Also, the baking powder is not harmful so even our dear little ones who tend to discolor their teeth can carry out this application.

Baking soda is the miracle cure

By using the baking soda we get our white teeth again. But children can also clean with baking soda. But still under parental supervision. We will soon all have wonderfully beautiful white teeth without bleaching and without high costs.

White teeth with table salt

If your teeth turn slightly gray with age or years of tobacco use have caused your teeth to turn yellow, you should use some everyday table salt to help. First, wet your toothbrush, sprinkle some table salt on it, and brush your teeth this way every now and then. This makes your teeth appear pure white again.

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Food

Yellow Tea: Effects and Uses of The Rare Tea

Yellow tea, like green tea, is considered a true miracle cure for health. For a long time, the noble tea was reserved for the Chinese emperor.

What is yellow tea?

Yellow tea is a very rare type of tea that is closely related to green tea. Yellow tea owes its name to the straw-yellow color of its infusion. It is produced exclusively in China and is a rarity in this country.

Like all other classic types of tea, yellow tea is made from the tea plant. Its production is very similar to that of green tea. The freshly picked tea leaves are initially left to wither. Yellow tea is then wrapped in a special cloth and gently heated in a pan over a period of three days. As a result, it oxidizes easily. This step is called “yellow sealing”. It ensures that the sometimes grassy and astringent taste that one knows from green tea disappears. The yellow tea is then roasted.

Even in China, only a few tea producers are familiar with the production of yellow tea, as it was reserved exclusively for the Chinese emperor for a long time. In addition, most Chinese tea producers mainly produce green tea, which is easier to process, for economic reasons. Green tea is one of China’s most important exports to Europe.

How to prepare yellow tea and what is its effect?

You can prepare yellow tea just like green tea. It is best to let the water cool down to 80 to 85 degrees Celsius before pouring it on. This makes the tea more aromatic, since fewer aromatic substances are destroyed or evaporated. It is best to steep yellow tea for 30 seconds. You can infuse it four to five times to enjoy its full spectrum of aromas.

Yellow tea, like green tea, is considered to be particularly healthy. Scientific studies have shown that yellow tea:

has an antioxidant effect and protects our body from free radicals.
has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus prevents the development of civilization diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
may prevent the development of cancer. This is not certain, however, since the studies available on this subject sometimes contradict each other. For example, the authors of this meta-analysis were unable to establish a link between tea consumption and the five most common types of cancer.
In one study, Chinese researchers found that yellow tea has the second-highest levels of polyphenols and antioxidants after green tea. White and black tea fared significantly worse. A large part of the health effects of tea are based on the polyphenols and antioxidants it contains. The studies suggest that yellow and green tea have more health effects than black tea.

You should consider this when buying yellow tea

Because yellow tea is so rare and expensive, it’s best to only drink it on special occasions. While green tea is now used in all sorts of products, such as cakes, shampoo, or bath salts, yellow tea is not a product for the mass market.

You should only buy yellow tea from a tea retailer that you trust. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for teas produced in China to be counterfeited. In particular, noble varieties such as Puerh or yellow tea are repeatedly affected. Therefore, only buy yellow tea from reputable dealers and never from unknown online shops in China. This is the only way you can be sure that you are getting a good product.

Unfortunately, long transport routes cannot be avoided for yellow tea, as it is not produced in Europe. One more reason to only enjoy the tea on special occasions. Since the working conditions on many tea plantations are poor, you should always use fair trade organic tea.

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Food

Yellow Lentils: Nutritional Values and Recipe Ideas

Yellow lentils are a good source of vegetable protein. They also contain valuable vitamins and minerals. Because the yellow lentils are sold shelled, you can prepare them faster than other lentils.

Yellow lentils belong to the legumes. Since they are sold already peeled, you don’t need to soak them. As a result, their cooking time is significantly shorter than that of other types of lentils.

Due to their pulpy consistency and their spicy aroma, they are suitable for soups, curries, salads or spreads.

In this article, you’ll learn what’s in yellow lentils and how to use them.

Nutritional values ​​of yellow lentils

Legumes such as yellow lentils are a valuable source of vegetable protein, especially if you eat mostly plant-based foods. We took a closer look at Alnatura’s yellow lentils and summarized the most important nutrients for you (per 100 grams):
Calories: 349 kcal – Like most legumes, yellow lentils are highly nutrient dense. This is mainly due to their high protein content.
Carbohydrates: 52g (2.10g of which sugars) – The shelled lentils are high in complex carbohydrates. Your body takes a long time to process them, so you stay full for a long time.
Protein: 27 g – The high protein content of the lentils is particularly remarkable. As a result, they can help you build muscle and are in no way inferior to animal foods.
Fat: 2.20 g – The fat content of yellow lentils is very low, so the lentils can also help you lose weight.
Dietary fibers: 6.70 g – The dietary fibers contained support your digestion and keep you full for a long time.

Yellow lentils are so healthy

In addition to energy-giving macronutrients, yellow lentils are also full of valuable vitamins. Lenses include:
provitamin A
B group vitamins
vitamin E
The body converts provitamin A into vitamin A. This is important for your eyes and vision, as well as for your immune system. The contained vitamin E has a protective effect on your cells.

Lentils also contain valuable minerals such as:
potassium
calcium
magnesium
zinc
phosphorus

Yellow lentils in your kitchen

The following applies to many types of lentils: Soak the lentils before preparation. Not so with yellow lentils—since they’re already peeled, you don’t need to soak them. As a result, the cooking time for yellow lentils is significantly shorter at twelve to fifteen minutes than for other varieties. They are therefore ideal for a quick dinner.

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Cooking Beans: How Long Do Green and Yellow Beans Take?

In order for green and yellow beans to be compatible, you have to cook them beforehand. Read here how much time you need to have the fresh kidney beans on your plate.

Green and Yellow Beans: What’s the Difference?

Yellow beans, also known as wax beans, are just another variant of green beans. Basically, you can use the green and yellow beans at the same time. You can buy the legumes fresh from the region in summer. Harvest time for beans is from June to around October.

Fresh beans should not have brown spots when you buy them. If you break through the bean and the inside is nice and juicy, that’s also a sign of freshness.

Cooking time and preparation of the beans

Beans contain the hard-to-digest and toxic protein phasin. According to the Bavarian consumer advice center, bush beans should be cooked, blanched or boiled for at least ten minutes so that the protein compound is rendered harmless. Unfortunately, even the bean water is toxic and you should stop using it.

The preparation of the beans is very simple:
Wash the beans and trim the ends of the beanstalk.
Cut them into small pieces depending on their future use.
Cook the beans in boiling salted water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
If you can bite through the beans without squeaking, they are done.
Tip: In addition to proteins and many other good nutrients, beans also contain some fiber, which can sometimes lead to flatulence. To prevent this, you can incorporate caraway or fennel (seeds) into your dish or chew a few grains of them after the meal. Fennel, caraway and anise also have a stomach-soothing effect as a tea.

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Food

Yellow Broccoli: Is It Still Edible?

Is your broccoli yellow in the fridge and you’re wondering if you can still eat it? We’ll give you the answer and show you the best way to store broccoli.

Yellow Broccoli: Is It Still Edible?

If your broccoli is yellow, you can still eat it, even if it has lost its flavor and most of its vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

In order to curb food waste, we therefore recommend that you eat yellow broccoli instead of throwing it away. You can process it into various dishes: for example, into a broccoli soup, a broccoli and potato casserole or as oven vegetables.

This is the best way to store broccoli

So that your broccoli does not turn yellow in the first place, there are a few things you can do when storing it.

For short-term storage of a few days:
Place broccoli in a glass filled with water like a bouquet of flowers. Then store the broccoli further back in the fridge to keep it as cold as possible.

For long-term storage of up to one year:
You can freeze broccoli to preserve it for a longer period of time. The best way to do this is to cut the broccoli into small pieces and blanch it. That means you put the broccoli pieces in boiling salted water for about five minutes. Then you scare them off with cold water. When the blanched broccoli is cold, you can put it in the freezer.

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