Red beets are the most common variety of beet. They are round with ruddy, dark reddish-brown skin. Size can vary, but they are often the size of a tennis ball or baseball. Inside, their flesh is a deep purple-red when raw that transforms into a brilliant ruby red when cooked, although different cultivars may have a slightly different intensity or tone of red color. Their flavor is bold and earthy, but also intensely sweet. They are most often sold topped, without their leaves, which gives them the longest possible shelf life, but they can also be found bunched with their greens.