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Beet root ,Spinach Details & Specifications |
| Useful
Link |
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| Botanical Name |
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Beta vulgaris Linn.var cicla |
| English Name |
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Beet root ,Spinach |
| Hindi Name |
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Palak |
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| CATEGORY |
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Expectorant |
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| SOURCE |
| Part used |
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State of the part used |
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Leaves |
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Roots |
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Dried |
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| FAMILY |
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Chenopodiaceae |
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| GEOGRAPHICAL SOURCE |
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The plant is indigenous to India and is found in following countries:-
Burma
India
Italy
Japan
Pakistan
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| IDENTIFICATION |
| Organoleptic characteristics |
| Colour |
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| Odour |
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Odourless |
| Taste |
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Sweet and delicious |
| Size |
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Flowers are 2-3 in a cluster or sometimes solitary on a long slender spike |
| Physical
Standards |
| Total Ash |
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N/A |
| Moisture |
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N/A |
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| CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS |
| Major |
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Major chemical constituents responsible for physicochemical and therapeutic action of the herb are :-
Protein (4.5%)
Fat (3.2%)
Carbohydrate (0.4%)
Sugar (8.0%)
/p>
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| Minor |
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Minor chemical constituents of this herb are :-
Calcium
Phosphorus
Iron
Vitamin A
Thiamine
Riboflavin
Niacin
Vitamin C
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| CULTIVATION |
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Sowings for the main crop is done during the period from April to early June to provide roots for autumn, winter and early spring use. Late sowings of fast maturing varieties can be done in June and early July in order to provide fresh young roots in the autumn. Propagation is by seeds and for rapid and even germination seeds soaked in warm water for 12 hours are used. For the earliest crop, ready to harvest in late spring, sow the seed in late February or early March giving it some protection. Immature roots usually much more tender than the older roots can be harvested in summer and early autumn for immediate use. Mature roots can be left in the ground all winter and harvested as required, though they might suffer damage in severe winters. Alternatively matured roots can be harvested in late autumn or early winter and stored up to 6 months in a cool but not dry place. The roots can be made available all year round by successive sowings.
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| STORAGE |
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To maintain physicochemical properties and medicinal values of the herb it is recommended to maintain following storage conditions :-
Air tight containers
Protection from light
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