What is a "sugar beet"?

Sugar beet is a root vegetable cultivated for its high sugar content, which is extracted and used in sugar production. It has a round or elongated shape with a rough, tan-colored skin and crisp white flesh. Sugar beets are grown in temperate climates and are harvested for processing into sugar during the fall and winter months. The sugar is extracted by slicing the beets into thin strips and then processing them to extract the sugar juice, which is further refined to produce granulated sugar. In addition to sugar production, sugar beets can also be consumed as a vegetable and used in cooking. They are often boiled, roasted, or grated and added to salads, soups, and side dishes.