Beetroot was already known among the Romans, but mainly for its medicinal qualities; it is only in the 16th century that people started eating it a s a vegetable. Beetroot exists in many colors and shapes and leaves can also be eaten, but the red round one is the most famous. Beetroot can be eaten warm or cold; it combines well with sour food items. Beet soup is delicious, and you can only slice the beetroot very thinly and deep fry it into chips. The red color is a good anti-oxidant.