Sugar beet

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Sugar beet

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), also known as beetroot or beet, is a plant species in the family Amaranthaceae. It is a root vegetable, cultivated primarily for its high sucrose content, which is used in the production of sugar.

Pronunciation

  • UK: /ˈʃʊɡər biːt/
  • US: /ˈʃʊɡər bit/

Etymology

The term "sugar beet" comes from the plant's high sucrose content. "Sugar" is derived from the Sanskrit word śarkarā, meaning "ground or candied sugar," while "beet" comes from the Old English bēte, from Latin bēta.

Description

Sugar beet is a hardy biennial plant that can reach up to 1 meter in height. It has a conical, white, fleshy root (a taproot) with a flat crown. The plant consists of the root and a rosette of leaves. Sugar is formed through a process of photosynthesis in the leaves, and it is then stored in the root.

Cultivation and uses

Sugar beet is grown commercially for sugar production. In many countries, it is also grown for the production of a biodegradable plastic, biofuel, and other bioproducts. The pulp, insoluble in water and mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, is used in animal feed. The byproducts of the sugar beet crop, such as pulp and molasses, are also used in animal feed.

Related terms

External links

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