Mangelwurzel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangelwurzel |
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Mangelwurzel
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| Species | Beta vulgaris |
| Origin | Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima |
The mangelwurzel (pronounced MAN-gul-WUR-zul) is a special type of root vegetable. You might also hear it called 'field beet' or 'fodder beet'. It's a cultivated plant, meaning people have grown it on farms for a long time.
Mangelwurzels are mostly grown to feed livestock, which are farm animals like cows, sheep, and pigs. They are not usually eaten by humans.
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A Giant Beet for Animals
The mangelwurzel is a variety of Beta vulgaris. This is the same plant species that gives us other well-known beets. For example, the red beet (also called beetroot) that we eat, and the sugar beet used to make sugar, are cousins of the mangelwurzel!
What Does It Look Like?
Mangelwurzels are known for their very large, swollen roots. These roots can be white, yellow, or orange-yellow. They grow partly above the ground, making them easy to harvest. Farmers developed these big roots in the 1700s to provide a lot of food for their animals.
Why Are They Called Fodder Beets?
The word "fodder" means food for farm animals. Since mangelwurzels are grown specifically for this purpose, they are often called "fodder beets." They are a good source of energy and nutrients for animals, especially during the winter months when fresh grass might be scarce.
Images for kids
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Harvested mangel-wurzels in Cornwall, England
