· Among all the heirloom beet varieties, the Crapaudine is thought to be the oldest, possibly dating back a thousand years. In M. Vilmorin-Andrieux's book The Vegetable Garden, published in 1882, it was referred to as "one of the oldest varieties." Crapaudine beets have remained a cultivated beet throughout history, widely favored for their coloring and rich flavor. They were specially bred beginning in the 16th century as the roots became a popular vegetable in Europe. · As I see it, my unseemly craving for Crapaudine beets can be blamed squarely on heirloom tomatoes, the gateway drug of historic vegetable addiction. Growing these famously delicious “unimproved” varieties isn’t all that easy, but it’s not difficult, either, and the pleasure payoff is immense. Today some experts feel this may be the oldest beet still in existence, possibly dating back 1000 years. This unique variety is one of the most flavorful, with carrot-shaped roots that have rough, dark colored skin which looks like tree bark. The variety, whose name comes from the French word for a female toad, is thought to be the oldest beet cultivar still in existence, dating back possibly 1000 years to the time of Charlemagne. · This is a particularly old variety of beet, possibly one of the oldest beets in existence today...from what I've read, and has rather an unusual thick bark like skin, almost black, that will reportedly help it to over winter right in the garden, even in cooler climates. What is crapaudine beetroot?Crapaudine beetroot is popular in France Paris…Crapaudine beetroot is one of the oldest known beet varieties, with a history tracing back over 1,000 years. Its unique carrot-like, tapered shape, gnarled roots, and thick, cracked skin set it apart from typical beets. Beneath its rugged appearance lies vibrant, dark red flesh with pale red rings.Where are crapaudine beets grown?Crapaudine beets are an heirloom variety primarily grown in France in the regions of Haute-Saintonge, Brittany, Grand Est, and Nouvelle Aquitaine. Outside of France, Crapaudine beets are produced in other areas of Europe and are sometimes found through specialty farms in the United States.Are crapaudine beets worth it?Growing Crapaudine beets can be a little more trying than growing other beets. Germination is spotty, so plant many more seeds than you normally might, and thin according to what actually comes up. They also take longer to mature than most beets, often as much as a month longer. They're worth it, though!What does crapaudine beet taste like?People tend to describe the taste as deeper and richer than that of a newer beet, and still very sweet. It's best prepared roasted in the thick skin, which is really too thick to eat, but slips off easily after an hour in the oven. Growing Crapaudine beets can be a little more trying than growing other beets. · The crapaudine beet — its name coming from the French word for a female toad — is just that, an heirloom variety of beet. It is, in fact, one of the oldest varieties, hailing from the time of France’s Emperor Charlemagne. Crapaudine beets have remained a cultivated beet throughout history, widely favored for their coloring and rich flavor. They were specially bred beginning in the 16th century as the roots became a popular vegetable in Europe. · As I see it, my unseemly craving for Crapaudine beets can be blamed squarely on heirloom tomatoes, the gateway drug of historic vegetable addiction. Growing these famously delicious “unimproved” varieties isn’t all that easy, but it’s not difficult, either, and the pleasure payoff is immense. Today some experts feel this may be the oldest beet still in existence, possibly dating back 1000 years. This unique variety is one of the most flavorful, with carrot-shaped roots that have rough, dark colored skin which looks like tree bark. The variety, whose name comes from the French word for a female toad, is thought to be the oldest beet cultivar still in existence, dating back possibly 1000 years to the time of Charlemagne. · This is a particularly old variety of beet, possibly one of the oldest beets in existence today...from what I've read, and has rather an unusual thick bark like skin, almost black, that will reportedly help it to over winter right in the garden, even in cooler climates. · The crapaudine beet — its name coming from the French word for a female toad — is just that, an heirloom variety of beet. It is, in fact, one of the oldest varieties, hailing from the time of France’s Emperor Charlemagne.
