Beetroot ‘Crosby’s Egyptian’

When Egypt-mania swept across Europe, many things were marketed as Egyptian to make them sound more exotic and appealing, including this beetroot. Having said that, Beetroot ‘Egyptian’ may not be Egyptian, but it has certainly withstood the test of time, remaining just as popular today. First introduced to the United States in the 1860s, the variety was refined by renowned Boston market gardener Josiah Crosby to improve the appearance of each beet, resulting in smoother skin and a more flattened shape. The resulting beet, Beetroot ‘Crosby’s Egyptian’ was first listed in Vilmorin’s catalogue in 1885 and J.H. Gregory’s seed catalogue in 1888, and has been available to gardeners around the world ever since.