Beets are an edible taproot, and though they are most commonly known for their red or pink color, they can be orange and yellow as well. Red beets get their color from the red pigment betalain. Beets were first developed in the Mediterranean, when ancients only ate the leaves of the beet plant, not the roots. Sometimes considered a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. The leaves can also be eaten. Rutabagas are originally from Sweden. Locate Sweden on a map. In the United States they are used in stews and casseroles, sometimes mashed with carrots. Children in Scotland and Ireland carve them into lanterns like we do with pumpkins!