Amaranth, all species and qualities

Belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, the Amaranthus genus boasts over 60 species.

Among these, three are considered the most important for seed production: Amaranthus caudatus or edulis, also known as love-lies-bleeding; A. hypochondriacus or flavus, and A. cruentus or paniculatus.

There are also species like A. hybridus and A. tricolor var. gangeticus, cultivated specifically for leaf consumption as vegetables, although the young leaves of the first three mentioned species are also used.

Some species can be invasive; this is the case with A. retroflexus, used for therapeutic purposes.

Amaranth is one of the rare plants where both the leaves and seeds are consumed as cereals.

Known to ancient Greeks, who named it amàrantos, meaning “that does not wither“, due to the long-lasting nature of its flowers. The ancients recognized the characteristic of the prolonged durability of the flowers and considered them a symbol of immortality.

Amaranth species are annual, herbaceous, or shrubby, reaching heights of around 150 cm and displaying colors ranging from green to purple to violet.

The leaves, oblong to lanceolate, are green or purple with prominent veins.

The tiny flowers, in various shades (purple, red, pink, yellow, orange, dark brown), are gathered in large panicle inflorescences, either erect or pendant. The seeds come in various colors: red, black, golden, pink, purple, but white predominates; while leaf amaranth generally produces small, black, and shiny seeds.

Once, white-seeded amaranth formed the basis of the diet for indigenous populations in Central America before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, who prohibited its cultivation in fields because it was used in sacrificial ceremonies. Entire amaranth fields were set ablaze in an attempt to eradicate pagan rituals, leading to a temporary disappearance of the culture. A rediscovery occurred in the 1970s.

The plant underwent numerous studies, primarily to determine its nutritional value and, to a lesser extent, its therapeutic potential.

Three amaranth species – cruentus, caudatus, and hypochondriacus – are attributed significant potential in increasing global food production. It’s important to note that the leaves of all Amaranthus species are edible.

Amaranth requires a warm climate to grow. It withstands drought, diseases, and easily adapts, making it an excellent crop for non-irrigable areas in developing countries.

In Europe, amaranth seeds, inaccurately called cereals, represent a new entry in the markets; the therapeutic use of leaves and flowers is older.

They are pseudo-cereals and gluten-free: Buckwheat, Amaranth, Quinoa, and Chia.

Amaranth is recognized for various properties, including astringency, and to a lesser extent, tonic and diuretic qualities. The entire plant contains tannins and is used internally to counteract diarrhea and menorrhagia. Externally, it’s used in gargles to alleviate pharyngeal inflammation and mouth ulcers. The species most commonly used for these purposes are A. hypochondriacus followed by A. retroflexus.

The seeds, especially of the A. tricolor species, are rich in iron, calcium, carotenoid pigments, and lysine, with a nutritional value comparable to that of milk. Both the seeds and fresh leaves are consumed, and the plant is considered a superfood for its high protein content.

Amaranth leaves are iron-rich, even more so than the seeds (already quite rich), and can be cooked in the same way as spinach. They also contain fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and proteins, including 5% lysine. However, it’s worth considering that the assimilation of these nutrients may be limited by the presence of saponins and alkaloids, and iron due to oxalate content. Studies on the content of young A. retroflexus leaves have also indicated high concentrations of vitamins A and C.

Amaranth is also rich in phytosterols, molecules capable of lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Specifically, the seeds of the species A. caudatus, A. cruentus, and A. hypochondriacus have this physiological effect.

Amaranthus caudatus, or “Love-Lies-Bleeding”, with its picturesque tassel-like inflorescence, is one of the Californian flower remedies. This essence helps those suffering from physical torment, illness, and deep anguish, leading individuals to isolate themselves more and suffer from profound depression.

Traditional medicine uses a decoction of A. caudatus flowers for various bleeding problems; in Ecuador, the flowers are boiled, and the resulting red liquid is used to regulate the menstrual cycle.

GIULIA CALDARELLI