[Flickr: kthread]

Don't be afraid of beets. While some of us may only know them as the star vegetable band on Doug, they have a deliciously natural sweetness and the vibrant colors render the flesh almost jewel-like.

Some home cooks shy away from beets due to their tendency to stain, or some confusion about how to use the beet roots--but it's a crime to not take advantage while they're available fresh. There are more colors out there than the standard purple variety, so pick up a medley next time you're at the store and play around.

Choose round and firm beets with a smooth outer texture. The beetroot should look fresh and leafy as well. Wear gloves if you're afraid of staining or just go barehanded if you don't mind a bit of purple hand syndrome (conversation starter, anyone?).

After the jump, beets beyond the standard goat cheese pairing.

Beet Recipes

• Red and Green Mash
• Roasted Beet Bruschetta
• Elaine's Clear Vegetarian Borscht
• Mark Bittman's Raw Beet Salad
• Beet Rosti
• Roasted Beet and Cucumber Salad
• Red Flannel Hash
• Crunchy Raw Beetroot Salad with Feta and Pear

Do you have any beetastic ideas for us?