Rediscovered: Beetroot – power root brings colour to the superfoods
Manufacturers are increasingly turning to beetroot – creative product ideas
The beetroot has a long history. And this long-established root vegetable is more important than ever, because with its vitamin and nutrient content it packs a powerful nutritional punch. It joins the ranks of the superfoods, its luscious purple bringing a splash of colour to the party. Food and beverage manufacturers have rediscovered beets, and are bringing out a host of beetroot products.

beetroot
SIG Combibloc

Amecke: juice beetroot - rasperry - apple
SIG Combibloc

Cool Best - Vita Day 100% fruit and vegetable juice with beetroot
SIG Combibloc



The wild form of the beetroot has its origins in North Africa and the steppe regions of central and northern Asia. The Romans brought it to the Mediterranean area – evidence of beetroot has been found in excavations of Roman settlements. The beetroot was mentioned by name for the first time in the Middle Ages. It existed in a variety of shapes and colours. Today’s typical red colour, which is due to the high content of betaine, a secondary plant pigment, was first grown in the 19th century. Betaine helps reduce homocysteine levels in the blood; excessive homocysteine levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Betaine also helps increase serotonin levels, thought to be responsible for mood. So in a way, the beetroot helps keep us in good spirits. It is also rich in antioxidants, minerals and trace elements, vitamins B and C, folic acid and iron, calcium, iodine, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorous. These substances stimulate liver function, strengthen the gall bladder, play an important part in blood formation and help relieve hypertension.
Julia Trebels, Global Product Manager at SIG Combibloc: “Consumers – especially the mobile, quality-conscious millennials, who are pro-sustainability and critical of excessive consumption – are much more strongly focused on health aspects than previous generations have been. That includes their choice of foods and beverages. ‘Superfoods’ containing a host of nutrients, active substances or essential minerals such as antioxidants are no longer on the periphery – they’ve become firmly established in the lives of many millennials. So food and beverage manufacturers have now added these foods to their product ranges. Foods such as acai, acerola, aronia, goji berries, noni, mangosteen and cranberries, or avocados and pomegranate, previously exotic options as product ingredients, are now found in many recipes. There’s also a whole range of other foods that, because of their healthy qualities, can easily compete with the established superfoods – the beetroot is a perfect example”.
Protected from light and oxygen
Beetroot juice is sensitive to light. So in packaging such as beverage cartons, which protect the product from light and oxygen, it is in the right place. Packaged in carton packs, foods and beverages are protected over an extended period even without refrigeration or preservatives, and suffer no alteration in flavour or appearance. Flavours, colours and nutrients, and the vitamins in the beverages, are retained. In its pure form or combined with other fruit or vegetable juices, beetroot juice can be filled using the standard SIG Combibloc filling machines for beverages. And as an ingredient in sauces, soups or tomato products, beetroot is a delicious enhancement, as well.
Julia Trebels: “Beetroot is a real all-rounder that can be added to sweet and savoury product formulations. And in combination with other superfoods, numerous product ideas are possible – with chia seeds, almond butter or avocado, for instance.”
Most read news
Topics
Organizations
Other news from the department business & finance

Get the food & beverage industry in your inbox
By submitting this form you agree that LUMITOS AG will send you the newsletter(s) selected above by email. Your data will not be passed on to third parties. Your data will be stored and processed in accordance with our data protection regulations. LUMITOS may contact you by email for the purpose of advertising or market and opinion surveys. You can revoke your consent at any time without giving reasons to LUMITOS AG, Ernst-Augustin-Str. 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany or by e-mail at revoke@lumitos.com with effect for the future. In addition, each email contains a link to unsubscribe from the corresponding newsletter.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
Last viewed contents

Bundesverband der Deutschen Süßwarenindustrie e.V. (BDSI) - Bonn, Germany

Decoding flavonoid metabolism: a closer look at plant-based diets - Understanding how our bodies break down flavonoids from plants and how this process relates to their potential health benefits

Green tea and resveratrol reduce Alzheimer's plaques in lab tests - Using a 3D neural tissue model, Tufts researchers find the compounds diminish amyloid plaques with no side effects
Pulsotronic-Anlagentechnik and GPS Reisacher announce cooperation

Chr. Hansen reaches scientific breakthrough in dairy bioprotection
Tuning for packaging: Innovative adhesives and food-safe packaging - Jowat SE at FachPack 2016

Upcycling of PET Bottles: New Ideas for Resource Cycles in Germany
Salmonella, Listeria and Co.: Old and new challenges for food safety

Oat reference genome: Insights into a uniquely healthy cereal crop

Kerry Group plc announces its intention to acquire Biosearch Life

400th InnoPET Blomax Series IV stretch blow molder goes to Warburg
