Chioggia Beet. Heirloom vegetable. An Italian home garden variety grown since at least the 1840's that has a light red, flattened globe-shaped root with striking interior rings of alternating pink & white. Green tops and red stems are eye catching colourful additions in salads and the 5cm (2in) diameter roots have a delicious "old country" taste when cooked. Higher levels of geosmin (earthy flavour) account for its popularity with beet purists.