Amaranth—A Delicious Seed
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They made an amaranth mixture into idols that were eaten in their sacrifices and religious rituals. To eliminate sacrifices, the Spanish conquistadors abolished the plant.

So it was lost for hundreds of years. Thanks only to a few isolated pockets of indigenous growers do we still have amaranth to feed us.

Nutrient Value

The seed is high in protein (15-18%) and contains respectable amounts of lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not found in many grains.

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

It also contains calcium (2 times the level of milk), iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.

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

Uses Around the World

In Mexico, amaranth is popped and mixed with a sugar solution to make "alegria." They also make a drink called atole from the milled and roasted seed. The leaves are used as a vegetable, both fried or boiled.

Peruvians use the fermented seed to make "chicha," a form of beer. The leaves are used as a vegetable, both fried or boiled. In the Cusco area, the flowers are used to treat toothache and fevers. It's also used as a food colorant for maize and quinoa.

Ecuadorians boil the flowers and add the water add to rum to create a drink that "purifies the blood," and is also said to help regulate the menstrual cycle.

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

In Nepal, the seeds made into a gruel called "sattoo," and milled into flour to make chappatis.

In North America, it has become popular as a replacement for grains, especially for those who have wheat intolerance or just want to cut down on the amount of wheat they eat.

Other Information About Amaranth

There are approximately 60 species. Each plant can produce 40,000 to 60,000 tiny seeds.

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

You can grow amaranth in your garden. However, be sure to harvest the seed heads before they explode their seed across your gardens. Otherwise, you'll be growing amaranth everywhere you garden!

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