Amaranth greens are the leaves of Chinese Spinach. Most varieties are mostly green with red coloration in the center which produces a reddish juice as they are cooked. Amaranth greens grow literally like weeds. In addition to the greens being edible, the seed of some varieties are eaten as a grain and others are milled into amaranth flour.
Some articles claimed consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids are also known to help the body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. Amaranth greens perhaps have the highest concentrations of vitamin-K of all the edible green-leafy vegetables.
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.
You should be asking “Why do you like to grow amaranth?”
We all have plants we like to grow for “fun. ” Amaranth is one of those fun plants for me. The leaves and seeds are an excellent source of nutrition, but I love just to watch the plants grow. The tall stalks are an impressive addition to the garden, and when the wind blows the flowers wave back and forth like vibrant, fuzzy flags.
What does amaranth look like when cooked?
Most varieties are mostly green with red coloration in the center which produces a reddish juice as they are cooked. Amaranth greens grow literally like weeds. In addition to the greens being edible, the seed of some varieties are eaten as a grain and others are milled into amaranth flour.
That way the cotton seed breaks down over the winter. Growing amaranth plants need full sun with at least 6 hours per day. Once it get’s going, growing amaranth doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. Amaranth likes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so a garden with lots of compost manure will make them happy.
Does amaranth like full sun?
Since amaranth is a summer crop and requires full sun, growing plants with similar needs is often a good idea. Plants from the nightshade family, corn, legumes, and marigolds complement the zone 7 and warmer climates that the amaranth prefers.
How much sun does amaranth need?
Growing amaranth plants need full sun with at least 6 hours per day. Once it get’s going, growing amaranth doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. Amaranth likes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so a garden with lots of compost manure will make them happy.
Is amaranth high in cholesterol?
Amaranth leaves contain only traces of fats and no cholesterol. The leaves and stems carry a good amount of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. For the same reason, leafy greens including amaranth often recommended by dieticians in the cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs. Fresh 100 g of leaf amaranth contains 29% DRI of iron.