Oh, I almost forgot!

What is it, Emma?

There's actually something I wanted to add to the hotpot. I found them at the supermarket and bought it out of nostalgia.

Ooh! What is it?

These!

What are they?

Beets!

I just looked it up. Beets are a type of betoideae. They resemble radishes and turnips, but actually belong to the same family as spinach. Rina-chan Board says, “Mm-hmm.”

Beets are used a lot in Russian cooking.

While I'm glad I got to learn some more trivia, I want to know something more important… Do they go well in hotpot?

It'll be fine! They're a tasty veggie we often eat back in Switzerland.

I-I see. Um, Emma? Do you know what Japanese hotpots are like?

Yup, I did some research. I'm sure beets will be fine in a Western-style hotpot!

Y-You think so?

I think they'll make this hotpot we all made together even tastier!

I cannot imagine what a hotpot with beets will taste like.

What do beets even taste like to begin with?

I have no idea.

Then I'm throwing the beets in with the rest of the veggies. In they go!

E-Emma?!

Oh dear… You really just dumped them all in there.

I've never heard of a hotpot with beets in it!

Maybe it'll be a new kind of hotpot?

H-Hang on, is this really gonna be okay? It's not gonna end up tasting bad or anything, right?

I said it'll be fine! Beets are essential to making borscht, a type of Russian stew. That's pretty similar to hotpot, right? Have a taste then, if you're worried. Go on.

Okay, just a little…

Hmm?! Wait, what?! Oh my goodness, it's really good!

You're right! It's like, REALLY good! Come on, guys! Have a taste!

Yes, it is quite delicious. I feel as though everything looks a little redder than it should, but the beets bring a sweetness to the broth.

Harasho! It really enhances the flavors of the other vegetables.

Emma, putting beets in the hotpot was a great choice. Rina-chan Board says, “All smiles!”

Yeah! I hope you'll all add beets to your hotpots at home now!