Beetroot vs Beet: Is There a Difference?

You may have heard a number of different names for one particular plant, is there truly a difference between a beetroot vs beet? Is there a regional difference between these two names, or are these actually two separate plants that have different traits and characteristics from one another? 

In this article, we will answer the question of whether or not beetroots and beets are the same plants. We will go over all of their physical differences and similarities, what their common uses are, and the various varieties of beets available for planting or purchase nowadays. Let’s get started and learn everything there is to learn about beetroots and beets now! 

Comparing Beetroot vs Beet

Key Differences Between Beetroot vs Beet

There are very few differences between beetroots and beets. In fact, they are identical plants to one another, but beets and beet roots are called such in different parts of the world. For example, Canada and the United States call the beet plant “beets”, while most other locations in the world call it the beetroot plant. 

Let’s check out all of the similarities and differences between these two plants in detail now. 

Beetroot vs Beet: Classification

There is no difference in the classification of the beetroot versus the classification of the beet. They both belong to the beet species, known scientifically as Beta vulgaris. This plant belongs to the amaranth family, which hosts a number of different species, including the beetroot. You will also find the chard plant and the sugar beet plant in this family as well. 

Beetroot vs Beet: Description

Both beetroot and beets look the same, though one may argue that the name beet describes the entire plant, while the name beetroot only describes the roots or fruit of the plant. However, besides this slight discrepancy in the name, these plants are identical in their description as well as their very different types. 

For example, the beet or beetroot plant grows underground, as a bulbous vegetable. It comes in a variety of colors, including white, red, and yellow. It has a distinctly earthy flavor, and you can even eat the greens, which may be a slight difference from the name beetroot vs beet. One striking feature about both of these plants is the fact that beets often bleed when they are cut into, especially if they are of the red or purple variety. 

Beetroot vs Beet: Uses

As you may have already guessed, the uses of beetroot and beets are strikingly similar. In fact, both of these plants are used in a number of culinary capacities, though you can use the entire beet plant, including the leaves, while beetroot often refers to only using the root or bulb of this particular plant. 

Not only can you cook with beets, you can also dye with them as well. The vibrant color found within the beetroot is used to dye or color a variety of things, including other foods. There are also beet varieties that are used specifically in producing table sugar, which in turn becomes a potential biofuel, though more study is needed. 

Beetroot vs Beet: Common Names

The most obvious difference between the beetroot and the beet plant has to be their names. While they are obviously the same thing and are named very similarly to one another, there appears to be a regional difference as to why we call the beetroot its name, and the beet its name. 

For example, the United States and Canada frequently call this particular plant the beet plant, dropping the “root” portion of the name. However, in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world, the beet plant is commonly called the beetroot. There are also a number of different names for this particular plant besides beets, so let’s talk about some of those now. 

Beetroot vs Beet: Varieties and Variations

There are a number of different names for the beetroot or beet plant, depending on where you are. For example, in North America, the beet plant is commonly referred to as beets, or more specifically the variety of beets that someone is talking about. This includes golden beets, red beets, and sugar beets. Elsewhere in the world, beetroots are called sea beets, table beets, garden beets, and dinner beets.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © luis c. jimenez del rio/Shutterstock.com