History

The name amaranth is derived from the Greek word for immortal, unfading. The amaranth, or lovage, has been known and used by man for thousands of years. Along with corn and beans, it was one of the most widely grown crops at the time of the discovery of America. Amaranth was of great importance in the diet of the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas, who called it the miracle grain. The use of amaranth is particularly widespread in India, Nepal and China, where it is part of many traditional dishes. In the Czech Republic, it has been known and used since the 1990s.

Origin and cultivation

Amaranth is popular for its unpretentiousness and adaptability. Although this annual plant thrives mainly in warm and dry areas, it can adapt to any fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Due to its hardiness, amaranth can be grown all year round. Amaranth seeds ripen in late September/early October. The ripe seeds are harvested with a thresher and then cleaned and dried.

Composition

Amaranth belongs to a group called pseudo-cereals. Pseudo-cereals are an important source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Use

Suitable for the preparation of porridges, salads, side dishes and soups. Flour from ground amaranth can be used in the preparation of cakes, biscuits or pastries. Roasting gives amaranth seeds a pleasant, slightly nutty flavour.

Finally

Suitable for making porridges, salads, side dishes and soups. The flour from ground amaranth can be used in the preparation of gluten-free cakes, biscuits or pastries. Without salt.

Country of origin

India

Sources

[1] D. BRISCOE RUNQUIST, Ryan et al. 2019. Species distribution models throughout the invasion history of Palmer amaranth predict regions at risk of future invasion and reveal challenges with modeling rapidly shifting geographic ranges. Scientific Reports. 9(2426), 1–12.

[2] M. WARD, Sarah, Theodore M. WEBSTER, and Larry E. STECKEL, 2013. Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri). A Review. Weed Technology. 27(1), 12–27.

[3] SILVA-SÁNCHEZ, C. et al., 2008. Bioactive Peptides in Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) Seed. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 56(4), 1233–1240.

[4] First Report of the Characterization of the Threatened Plant Species Amaranthus pumilus (Seabeach Amaranth), 2000. Journal of Food and Agricultural Food Chemistry. 48(2), 378–382.

[5] A. GAINES, Todd et al, 2011. Mechanism of Resistance of Evolved Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 59(11), 5886–5889.