Mr. President – Yes We Can Enjoy Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese Gratin!

Dear President Obama,

I fear that you are about to find yourself embroiled in a controversial issue and I want to help you. You’ve got enough on your plate already.

Do you remember when the first George Bush stated unequivocally that he hated broccoli? Do you remember the uproar, the days of negative press and the scores of elementary school children who felt completely justified in turning up their nose at fresh, nutritious broccoli?

Advocates for sustainable agriculture were thrilled to learn last week that the First Lady is planting an organic garden on the White House lawn to grow fresh vegetables for your family and educate school children about local and sustainable foods. I can’t describe the feeling of satisfaction you will have when you bring those fresh vegetables to the table.

But, no beets?

Now, technically, beets are a “red” vegetable, so perhaps I understand what the issue might be. But, I see that even beleaguered broccoli has a place in the White House vegetable garden.

I do understand how you feel about beets. I was there myself once. When I was a kid, I thought they were “icky.” But then, as an adult, when I began roasting beets pulled fresh from the ground, I saw them in a whole new light. The beetroot is a sturdy, intensely-flavored, down-to-earth vegetable, much like the men and woman who made America great. Beetroot juice has been shown to reduce blood pressure and may prevent certain cardiovascular issues. Beets are also a good source of fiber and Folate, and since ancient Rome, the juice of the beetroot has been prized as an aphrodisiac. Talk about a stimulus package for good health!

There are so many delicious ways to prepare beets. I was quite excited to find some perfectly beautiful organic, local beets at the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City. Using a recipe by Mark Bittman from “How to Cook Everything Vegetarian” I roasted the beets with olive oil, salt and pepper and then sliced them thin and layered them in an oven-proof gratin dish.

I sprinkled the dish with fresh thyme leaves, and topped it with crumbled goat cheese, salt and pepper and whole wheat Panko bread crumbs. Five minutes under the broiler and the dish became an enticing, bubbling, magenta mélange of tangy fresh cheese and the sweet, rich essence of the earth. A gratin is just one idea. I’m sure Chefs Cristeta Comerford, Sam Kass and the talented White House culinary staff can create all sorts of scrumptious options.

Yes, beets might be an acquired taste, and are perhaps not for everyone, but they should not be excluded from the White House vegetable garden for that reason. What would happen if others followed this example, and people began excluding beets from backyard and community gardens across America? I, for one, would be heartbroken to learn that my beloved Long Island CSA, Sophia Garden had shunned beets for the 2009 growing season.

Mr. President, I urge you to reconsider your position on beets and allow them to be included in the White House vegetable garden. I hope you’ll be willing to reach across the table and support all vegetables in the true spirit of inclusivity. Beet advocates across America are counting on you!

Sincerely,

T.W. Barritt

©2009 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved