The Cylindra beets I planted in spring and harvested in summer tasted awful. Like you, it's the first time I've ever had beets taste bad. Early Wonder beets I planted right next to them at the same time tasted fine. I can't explain it.

Rodney

Perhaps a water shortage?

Is it known that underwatered beets get bitter, Jean?

I couldn't locate such a statement after a rather brief online search. But it does occur with carrots, another root vegetable. So I added the thought in case anyone else knew something solid.

Hmm, must have been half awake when I did that search -- used "why beets get bitter" -- but no quote marks. When I returned to the search just now, I saw these. (Perhaps more are available?)

When choosing beets to purchase -- "Avoid those that are irregularly shaped as it can be an indication of bolting, which produces a woody and bitter taste." (http://www.goodlifegarden.ucdavis.edu/crops/id/30)

"Beet Variety Evaluation" has an extension comparison chart. Comments include statements of "not bitter" or "slight bitterness." (https://www2.ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/MidWest%20Trial%20Reports/2-1_beet_strang_09.pdf)

the carrots were OK, two beds over. I should have added this in the original post. On the other side of the house, there was a fine crop of daikon, zero bitterness. That is why I am puzzled. To be precise, given the slight slope, the daikon, carrot, and even the turnip beds are moister beds. I will go with the underwatering hypothesis I guess.