Our secretary, Mary, has just lifted the most beautifully formed lush beetroot I’ve ever seen! Certain prizewinners were it not for the fact that they were immediately transformed into Borscht for Sunday lunch. Ah well.

Did you know that fat round beetroot are a relatively new introduction and heritage varieties are all cylindrical or carrot shaped? Anyway that’s what I’ve grown this year. They peel more easily, are cooked more quickly and are great for slicing. As for the taste, I’ve found them sweeter and less earthy than the round ones. So why not give them a try?