Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a plant with round or carrot shaped roots. There are various varieties of this plant. The most common is the red beetroot, which is the root vegetable of human beings. The older varieties are called mangel wurzel or mangel wurzel. This is used as feed for cattle. Another variety is beet, which is used as a source of sugar.

In addition to being used as food, beet is also used as food pigment and medicinal plant. Many beet products are made from other common beet varieties, especially sugar beet. Beetroot has been used since the Middle Ages to treat various diseases, especially those related to digestion and blood. Bartolomeo platina recommends taking beetroot with garlic to eliminate the effects of "garlic breathing.".