The taste of Amaranth is quite nutty and sweet and delightfully crunchy . The best part about this underdog grain is it is gluten-free. Amaranth also goes by other names such as Chinese Spinach or Pigweed. At present day, the largest producer of Amaranth is China.
One way to think about this is That’s an amaranth species, Amaranthus caudatus , and yes, the leaves and seeds are edible and nutritious like any other amaranth. The same goes for the gomphrena (bachelor’s button) and celosia (cock’s comb or woolflower) species.
Amaranth greens are very similar to spinach in taste, but for the grains you’re better off toasting them before cooking with them (maybe steaming the toasted seeds will be good for adding into a salad perhaps?) They tend to pop like microscopic popcorn kernels.
Amaranth is an ancient grain that is similar to quinoa. The small, light tan colored seed is cooked similarly to rice and oats and eaten as a pilaf or porridge.
Kathleen Miller is a Master Gardener and Horticulturist with over 30 years experience in gardening and sustainable farming. Of the more than 70 species of the Amaranthus genus worldwide, only about a dozen are cultivated, either as ornamentals or as an edible for their grain or leaves.
Can you eat amaranth in Mexico?
In Mexico, the popped seeds are mixed with honey and other foods, such as chocolate and nuts, for a tasty snack called alegría. You can try our nutty breakfast alternative to white-flour pancakes. Amaranth has another edible advantage: the leaves can be harvested as a vegetable.
Can amaranth be used in beverages?
We do not mean the cocktail, although, it does sound intriguing, and amaranth can definitely be used in beverages. According to Heart Beet Farms, amaranth is comprised of more than 60 different grain species and has health trend lovers wagging their tongues over its potential benefits.
What to do with amaranth seeds?
As a bonus, amaranth grains can be heated until they pop, much like corn kernels. In Mexico, the popped seeds are mixed with honey and other foods, such as chocolate and nuts, for a tasty snack called alegría. You can try our nutty breakfast alternative to white-flour pancakes.
Amaranth is considered a ” pseudocereal ” rather than an actual grain since it’s technically a seed. Other examples of pseudocereals are buckwheat and quinoa; both amaranth and quinoa are from the family Amaranthaceae.
Amaranth flour is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking. Since it’s heavy, it should be limited to 1/4 of the total flour in the recipe (by weight), otherwise, the baked goods will be extremely dense. It combines well with almond flour and works nicely as a thickener in soups and sauces.
Is amaranth a weed or plant?
The majority of the species are considered weeds and a far cry from the plants with attractive bronze or purple leaves and tassel-shaped large flowers in striking colors that make amaranth a favorite for bouquets and cut flowers. The two purposes of growing amaranth are not mutually exclusive.
What is the difference between amaranth and quinoa?
Although amaranth and quinoa are referred to as ancient grains, they are both seeds; the two pseudocereals are also naturally gluten-free. Compared to other grains, amaranth and quinoa have short cooking times, although it does take slightly longer for amaranth to reach the desired doneness.