Nearly all amaranths are edible, including ‘love-lies-bleeding’ and even the common roadside weedy forms. But those sold as edible varieties are selected for their good seed production and especially tasty leaves.
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.
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.
A frequent question we ran across in our research was “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.
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 are amaranth greens?
Amaranth greens are nutritious, edible leafy vegetables of Central American origin. Amaranth leaves and grains were one of the staple foods of Aztecs and Incas in pre-Columbian times. Presently, its growth is mainly concentrated in tropical climates of Latin Americas, Asia, and Africa.
What is amaranth and why do I Love It?
I love abundant plants like this and welcome them into my garden. All of the amaranth plant is edible – the roots, the leaves, the flowers and the seeds. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant annual that self-seeds and is easy to grow – particularly in hot times. Many varieties have spectacular flowers too.
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.