Amaranth: A Forgotten Healthy Food Staple

Amaranth was once - and is still in many places - considered to be a weed. Unfortunately, many people are unaware as to what this plant really is. Today we have numerous different types of amaranth, and some scientists believe that it all originated from Central America and used trade routes to establish itself in Africa, India, and other parts of the world some 400-500 years ago.

Amaranth was a staple in Aztec culture, as it was used not only as a food, but also as a component of some religious ceremonies. The Aztecs would associate the red seed heads with blood and combine the seeds with human blood to make an offering to the gods. Unfortunately, with the arrival of the Christian Conquistadors, amaranth was banned from being grown, and consequently almost went extinct in Mexico.

Typically, the seed is the part of amaranth used; however, the young, tender greens can also be used as a vegetable. The seeds can be used in a few different ways. One rather simple way of using amaranth seed is to pop it lightly as you would with corn. The amaranth can be eaten like this or it can be, in a sense, glued together with honey or some other sweetener. Amaranth can also be ground up to make a flour. This flour can then be used like any other flour to make breads, crackers, or porridge. It has a rather particular taste, so it is important to only use small portions of it first to determine whether or not you like the taste.

Growing Amaranth

Amaranth has been widely adapted over the hundreds of years that it has been around. It can grow on high South American plains, or in lower warmer places. In North America, amaranth can be grown just about anywhere; although it may be more difficult to grow amaranth for grain in some of the more northern climates due to a short growing season that does not allow the seeds to fully mature. When picking a variety of amaranth to grow, it is important to remember where you live and how much space you have. Some varieties can reach up to ten feet, while others top out at six feet. A shorter plant will mature quicker and is probably more suitable for a colder climate. Amaranth is a rather simple plant to grow, and most anyone with some soil and a little bit of sunlight can grow amaranth properly.

Health Benefits

Why do we need amaranth? Why is it better than wheat or corn or other grains we use? Amaranth is loaded with proteins, and is the highest source of lysine in any grain. When it is combined with other grains it creates a complete protein. Amaranth is also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, and of course, protein.

Amaranth can be found in some health food stores, as well as Asian or Caribbean Markets.

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