Whole Grains > Amaranth

Amaranth

Amaranth is a highly nutritious grain.  Amaranth can be cooked as a cereal, ground into flour, popped like popcorn, sprouted or toasted.  The seeds can be cooked with other whole grains, added to stir-fry or to soups and stews as a nutrient dense thickening agent.  Amaranth seed is high in protein and has a very high fiber content.

Benefits of Amaranth

Amaranth is a supergrain that is extremely high in protein.  Amaranth may be the most nutritious plant in the world.  Amaranth contains five times more iron than wheat and has more protein than milk.  The fiber content of amaranth is three times that of wheat.  Using amaranth in combination with wheat, corn or brown rice results in a complete protein as high in food value as fish, red meat or poultry.  Due to its high levels of calcium, magnesium and iron, Amaranth helps prevent and treat osteoporosis.

History
Amaranth, though relatively unknown today, was cultivated as a food crop in Mexico as early as 7000 years ago. Amaranth grain constituted a principal source of protein for the pre-Hispanic populations of Mesoamerica. Along with beans and corn, amaranth was a fundamental part of the indigenous Mexican diet.  Amaranth was a staple food of great importance to the Aztecs. During the pre-Hispanic era amaranth was so important to the Aztecs that it was one of the principle items demanded as tribute from the other peoples that were subordinate to the Aztec Empire. Each year around 20, 000 tons of amaranth grain was brought to Tenochtitlan, the former Aztec capital and current day Mexico City, from the 17 surrounding provinces.

How to Use Amaranth

Amaranth is a very versatile grain than can be used in a variety of different dishes.  It is regularly made into flour and used to create breads, pastas or other baked goods.  Amaranth makes a delicious hot breakfast cereal.  To cook, mix 1 cup amaranth with 2 ½ cups water.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.  Mix in berries, banana, apple or other fruits a few minutes before cooking is complete.

Amaranth can also be sprouted.