AMARANTH

Amaranth is an abbreviated term for the members of genus amaranthus (family Amaranthaceae). Amaranth (Amaranthus) has a colorful history, the Aztecs made a mixture into idols that were eaten in their sacrifices and religious rituals. Because of this the Spanish conquistadors abolished amaranth to eliminate the sacrifices. So the plant was lost for hundreds of years. Only to a few out of way places used it and thus saved it for us.

There are approximately 60 species of amaranth and each plant is capable of producing 40,000 to 60,000 seeds.

It resists heat and drought, has no major disease problems, and is among the easiest of plants to grow.

It appears to me that this a plant that is well worth growing and knowing all of its benefits and uses.

Uses of Amaranth around the world:

1. In Mexico it is popped and mixed with a sugar solution to make "alegria" .
When milled and roasted the amaranth seed is used to create a Mexican drink called "atole."
The leaves are used as a vegetable both fried or boiled.

2. Peruvians use fermented amaranth seed to make "chicha" or beer.
The leaves are used as a vegetable both fried or boiled.
In the Cusco area the flowers may be used to treat toothache and fevers. A food colorant for maize and quinoa.

3. In India amaranth is known as "rajeera" (the King�s grain) and is popped then used in confections called "laddoos," which are similar to Mexican "alegria."

4. In Nepal, amaranth seeds made into gruel called "sattoo" or milled into flour to make chappatis which are eaten.

5. In Ecuador, the flowers are boiled and the boiled water add to a rum to create a drink that "purifies the blood," and is also said to help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Nutriential value of Amaranth

Amaranth seed is high in protein (15-18%)

Contains respectable amounts of lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not frequently found in grains.

It is high in fiber (three times that of wheat).

Contains calcium(2x milk), iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.

A form of vitamin E (tocotrienols) helps lower cholesterol.

Check these additional varieties of AMARANTH

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