I'd better start keeping one of those "KITCHEN DIARIES!"
I've always used fresh beets/turnips and assorted varieties at that, in the past. Only yesterday, did I use canned--unsweetened. Retrograde inspired me to pull a culinary "faster-one." Fresh, I think is still better, but the canned aren't bad. I felt this bizzarre need to open a can of something. The extra sodium is actually quite good for me, but you could rinse them. I guess it's akin to using canned or jarred tomatoes/tomatoe products.
I can't believe you've never had fresh beets!!! They're so yummy roasted. I like whipping them with potatoe for pink potatoes or using them as a red sauce. Mixed with potatoe and whipped, they look like veggie icing.