Crosby's Egyptian

Dark red, mostly round roots. Shape ranges from slightly flattened to round. Semi-smooth skin. Flesh dark red to purple with moderate concentric rings. Fair flavor, less sweet, moderately earthy. Roots forms partially above ground. Leaves green and purple with solid purple veins and petioles; upright. Beets 2.5-3.5" long and wide, and 8-11oz at market maturity. Early maturing. This accession is potentially an example of the historic variety of the same name which was developed by Josiah Crosby, an Arlington, Massachusetts market gardener. 'Crosby's Early Egyptian' beet was introduced in 1885 by the James J.H Gregory seed company of Marblehead, MA. Gregory's 1885 catalog read: "Crosby's Early Egyptian Beet. This is a very superior strain of the Early Egyptian, made by one of the most noted of the market gardeners of Arlington, this which there are none higher in their profession in this country." SSE received this accession circa 2006 from Exchange lister Fredrick Sullivan (OH SU F) of Ohio. Mr. Sullivan acquired this variety from the USDA collection. SSE Accession # 106462