Amazing Amaranth

As a grower, I love all the different textures, colors and flavors of the many varieties of microgreens. While it’s not feasible for me to grow them all, I am particularly drawn to those with vibrant hues such as amaranth. I planted a red amaranth as an ornamental in my flower garden a few years ago for its deep green foliage and lovely red plumes and until just today didn’t connect this plant with the microgreens I grow in my farm. Like many gardeners, I just appreciated it for its color and beauty, but let me tell you, it is so much more than just a pretty face! According to Greek myth, Amaranth is a symbol of immortality. The Greek word amarantos means “one that does not wither,” or “never-fading,” thus its flowers are said to never fade or die as other flowers do. Because of this it thought to have special healing powers and was used to decorate images of the gods and tombs. A more common name for this genus of plants is “pigweed.” These plants are quite hardy and able to withstand applications of glyphosate (Roundup) and have become a bane to farmers in the US who rely upon these herbicidal applications to control weed populations in their fields and uniformly ripen some crops such as wheat. Score 1 for Amaranth, 0 for Monsanto! It’s amazing to me that now that we know the nutritional value of Amaranth grain, that more farmers are not going with nature and cultivating the more productive varieties of this super food. The genus Amaranth is a group of more than 60 different species of grains that have been cultivated for thousands of years and were once considered a staple food in the Inca, Maya and Aztec civilizations. Even the Romans grew and used Amaranth. Some varieties were grown for their nutritious leaves, and others for their grain which is classified as a pseudocereal, meaning it is not a cereal grain like wheat or oats, but it shares a comparable set of nutrients and is used in similar ways. Its earthy, nutty flavor works well in a variety of dishes. Amaranth microgreens are a vibrant red and pink color.  They have a mild, sweet flavor, and their texture is soft and fresh.  They add a unique flavor and color profile to food. It takes only a small amount to make a beautiful and tasty addition to any dish. They are a particularly good addition to salads and egg dishes. The nutrients in this microgreen include moderate levels of protein, vitamins A, B, K, E, and C, as well as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, selenium, and copper. It is also rich in antioxidants, micronutrients, and carotenoids. Manganese is especially important for brain function and believed to protect against certain neurological conditions.  Magnesium is vital for DNA synthesis and muscle contraction.  Phosphorus is important for bone health, and iron helps your body produce blood. All in all, whether to please the eye, the pallet, or for your health, you can’t go wrong adding this wonderful, amazing microgreen to your diet.