What is amaranth?

amaranth or amaranthus, is a group of plants that have been grown for thousands of years as a grain, as vegetables and for medicinal purposes. Many varieties grow very high and reach heights above 6 feet (2 m), with long, colored clouds of seeds. It is also related to the Pigweed plant, which is considered to be weeds. Amaranth was the basic meal of ancient Aztecs and grew in abundance, both in the wild and as a cultivated crop. This was not used not only as a source of food, but also between the azteks it was also deeply intertwined by religion. The seed of amaranth was mixed with honey and formed into the images of the gods of the Aztecs, which were commonly consumed during religious rituals and observations. Not only was this practice banned by Spain, the cultivation of amaranth has also been forbidden, as well as the harvest of a wild amaranth, and has become a crime that has been punished by a performance to be found in the possession of any part of this plant. It can tolerate a period of drought and dry, nutrients of poor country and wet clay soils. Most commonMore varieties grow tall, with thick stems that are able to withstand strong winds, especially when plants are grown together.

Although it is often described as a grain, amaranth is a seed plant, more correctly categorized as a pseudo-zrno. The plant seed can be dried and stored for a long time. The seed or grain can be spread over flour and used in baking bread or other flour -based products. Amaranth grains can be "popped up" as popcorn or mixed with honey or syrup and converted into healthy snacks and can be cooked with rice or porridge to add texture and taste. Amaranth contains no gluten, so it is a suitable addition to a gluten -free diet.

Amaranth has the highest nutritional value of all grains and contains no cholesterol, creating an incredibly valuable dietary supplement. Three ounce (100 g) amaranth contain 0.7 ounce (19 g) protein, which is more than in stEye amount of oats, wheat, corn or rice. Amaranth also contains significantly more fiber, carbohydrates, calcium and iron than other grains. This pseudo-zrno also contains a number of other minerals and vitamins, as well as amino acids that are essential for the human body, but are missing in most other common grains. The leaves and stems of the plant also contain a similarly high level of valuable nutrients.

leaves of these plants can also be consumed, used raw in salads or used as spinach or cabbage. In some areas, young stems are peeled and then cooked like asparagus. Amaranth gives a relatively high yield, especially when the whole plant and not just grains are used. The altitude differs from the grown species and various environmental factors, but it is possible to extract £ 1,000 (450 kg) of seeds or grains of acre (4,046 square meters) of this crop.