Red beets are nutrient-dense root vegetables with a naturally sweet, earthy flavor and firm texture. They can be roasted, steamed, boiled, pickled, or eaten raw when grated into salads. Commonly sold loose by weight, beets pair well with citrus, goat cheese, grains, and leafy greens for hearty sides, soups, or cold salads. Store refrigerated to maintain freshness for several weeks; trim greens before cooking.