Sugar beets are a type of root vegetable primarily grown for their high sugar content. They are typically white or yellowish in color and can weigh several pounds. Farmers cultivate sugar beets in temperate climates, and they are harvested in the fall. The sugar extracted from these beets is used in various food products and sweeteners.
The process of turning sugar beets into sugar involves washing, slicing, and extracting the juice, which is then purified and crystallized. This method provides a significant portion of the world's sugar supply, alongside other sources like sugarcane. Sugar beets are also used in animal feed and for producing biofuels.