Named after the Greek word “amarantos,” which means “one that does not wither," colorful amaranth flower buds stay vibrant even after drying.

Cultivated by the Aztecs 8,000 years ago, amaranth is still popular in many cultures, and becoming more so in recent years.

It can be popped like corn, cooked similar to rice or pasta, or ground to flour.

Amaranth has a long history and has been in use for many centuries by many different cultures. Although amaranth was cultivated on a large scale in ancient Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru, nowadays it is only cultivated on a small scale there, along with India, China, Vietnam, and other tropical countries.

Amaranth include numerous vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, amaranth is very similar to other grains (like wheat) as well as to other green leafy vegetables (like Swiss chard). Amaranth contains about four times as much calcium as wheat and twice as much iron and magnesium.

Grain amaranth is easy to cook, is highly palatable, and can easily be included in snacks and dishes. Amaranth is grown and consumed as a leafy vegetable in many countries around the world. Amaranth is commonly boiled, steamed or included in soups and stir-frys. Cooked amaranth is 90% digestible.

Nutrition Of Amaranth For Health

Amaranth is highly vitamin-rich and is a good source of vitamins A, B6, K and C, a well as folate and riboflavin. Amaranth includes numerous minerals. Amaranth is a terrific source of manganese and also iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Protein

Amaranth contains large amounts of protein, up to 30% more than wheat flour, rice and oats. Amaranth also contains no gluten, a protein that can be found in many true grains.

Dietary Fiber & Amino Acids

Dietary fiber and essential amino acids, including lysine, which has clinically shown potential for cancer treatment, are prominent in amaranth. It also contains relatively low cholesterol levels.

Benefits Of Amaranth For Health

Homeopathic and ayurvedic experts have always recognized the amazing health benefits of amaranth. Both, the seeds and leaves of amaranth, are used as herbal remedies. The seeds and leaves have been found to be very effective in stopping diarrhea, and hemorrhagic problems like excessive menstruation.

Cholesterol

The oils and phytosterols in amaranth help lower cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.

Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties in the peptides and oils of amaranth can ease pain and reduce inflammation. This is especially important for chronic conditions where inflammation erodes at health, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Cancer

The same peptides in amaranth that protect against inflammation may also help prevent cancer. The antioxidants in this grain may also help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer.

Blood Pressure

The fiber and phytonutrients in amaranth lower blood pressure according to some recent studies. This grain tackles cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure, making it all around a good food for heart health.

Lysine

Vegetables and grains are often lacking in this essential amino acid. Amaranth has a good amount of lysine which helps the body absorb calcium, build strong bones and muscles, and produce energy.

Acne remedy

Amaranth leaves are also a wonderful astringent, and make a great wash for skin problems like eczema, and a wonderful acne remedy. Amaranth also makes an effective mouthwash for treating mouth sores, swollen gums, and sore throat.

Immune System

Amaranth may boost immune function according to some studies, probably thanks to the potent vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Hair loss

Amaranth leaves have been found to be a good home remedy for hair loss and premature greying. Applying the fresh juice of amaranth leaves helps hair to retain its color, and keeps it soft, and is a great hair-loss treatment.

Nutritional benefits

The amaranth seed or grain is similar to millet and quinoa in terms of nutritional benefits. In India, the amaranth grain is popped like corn and used like breakfast cereal, porridge, and gruel, and in sweets like laddus, or milled into flour and used to make flatbreads. Amaranth grain is also milled into flour and combined with other flours for making breads.

Amaranth grain is also very easy to digest and gluten-free, and, hence, often fed to babies, children, the elderly and those recovering from fasts and illnesses.

The amazing thing about amaranth is how it compares nutritionally to other grains: far more iron, calcium, protein, manganese, fiber, and other phytonutrients than wheat or rice. Amaranth is one of the most protein-rich of any plant-based food, rivaling that of animal-based foods like cheese.

Ultimately, amaranth is a true powerhouse, known to help prevent a number of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and stroke.A study on amaranth reported that its seeds contain not only important nutritional properties, but also phytochemical compounds like rutin and nicotiflorin, and peptides with the ability to help lower hypertension and incidences of cancer.

Researchers suggested further investigation on the function of health-beneficial peptides in amaranth, particularly lunasin, which was previously identified in soybeans and thought to have cancer-preventing benefits, as well as lowering incidences of chronic diseases, such as inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.As cardiovascular disease (CVD) is linked to high blood cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, scientists reported that reducing saturated fat while increasing unsaturated fatty acids can prevent CVD. Amaranth was studied in relation to these findings and found it to be potentially beneficial for CVD patients.

Test results also concluded that amaranth oil could be a functional food product for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.

Very easy to grow and will make awesome microgreens.

PLANTING AMARANTH:

-Plant in an area that will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

-Amend the soil with compost or manure.

-Amaranth grown as a green requires more nitrogen, so plant to add a little bit of bloodmeal or conttoseed meal onto the prepared area. Be sure to not add too much though (just a handful will suffice), otherwise you'll get wilted leaves.

-Plant in mid to late spring, or once the soil temperatures have reached 68F (20C).

-Spread the seeds onto the soil and lightly rake them in.

Water the seeds in and continue to water once a week, about an inch each time.

-The seeds will usually sprout within 7 to 14 days.

-Tiny sprouts can be used to microgreens, but for a bigger production allow the plants to reach 1-2 feet before fully harvesting.

-To harvest young amaranth leaves, cut the entire plant a few inches from ground level. This will ensure that another production of amaranth will happen.

Will be shipped from Manhasset, New York. From store called Flower Shop Inc.

Florist and greenhouse situated in Long Island, New York. Been in business for 21years and counting.