Beetroot Cress

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Categories: ,

Description

(Beta vulgaris)

An alternative way of eating a classic Australian vegetable – bright red leaves with a soft spinach flavour.

Flavours/Food Partners

Land and water cress, rocket, lettuce, endive, chicory, mizuna, mustard greens, salad burnet, sorrel and fresh herbs like parsley, coriander, celery leaf and basil. Use in salads with lightly cooked vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, snow peas or meats like ham and bacon, add to sandwiches or use as a colourful garnish for most dishes.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Beetroot Cress leaves should be harvested at around 2 to 4 cm, just prior to use and can be taken all year round. High in iron and other vitamins. Mix with desired food partners then add any dressing just prior to serving. Repeat harvest when leaves are still small. If left alone will grow larger and leaves can be used as you would perpetual spinach.

Landscaping/Planting

Grow in large pots. Can be planted in the ground but should be harvested regularly.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Water as needed and give regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed to keep healthy and growing. Remove flower stems as soon as they appear.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, MODERATE FROST
Height 50CM
Width 40CM

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