Candy stripe beets are an Italian heirloom variety first mentioned in the 1800s. They are round, but slightly flatter than a common red beet. Their exterior is ruddy and pinkish, but inside their flesh is a dramatic bull’s eye of red and white alternating concentric rings. Many say that candy stripe beets are sweeter than other varieties with peppery notes – and that their flesh is especially tender – making them a great option for salads. They are most commonly sold topped, without the leaves – but can occasionally be found with tops.