Growing grains at home can be a good idea, and ‘amaranth’ is an interesting option to consider for growing in your garden. Not only does it produce seeds in abundance, but it also offers edible vegetables and is a very attractive ornamental plant. Here, we’ll look at what amaranth is, what it’s used for, and why you should consider growing it in your garden.
What is amaranth? Amaranth is classified as a “pseudo-cereal”, being a seed rather than a grain. It belongs to the same family as buckwheat and quinoa, known as Amaranthaceae. Considered a staple food in the Inca, Mayan and Aztec civilizations, amaranth has been cultivated for more than 8,000 years. The amaranth species mainly used as seeds are Amaranthus caudatus L., Amaranthus cruentus L. and Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Amaranth can be used as whole seeds or flour. Amaranth flour is a popular choice for gluten-free baking. The leaves are also edible and the flowers are very ornamental. It’s considered versatile, gluten-free, and high in protein, fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants, so there are plenty of reasons to consider growing this valuable plant in your garden. Be sure to check out our replacement parts and accessories for everything you might need as part of your greenhouse gardening routines.
7 Reasons to Grow Amaranth in Your Garden There are many reasons to consider growing amaranth where you live. Below we’ll look at some of the main reasons why this is a good idea:
1. Amaranth is a useful food crop The main reasons for growing amaranth in your garden have to do with its status as a food plant. This is an extremely useful plant in its culinary uses. It is highly nutritious and delicious, making it a good crop to add to your repertoire and include in your home grown diet. Basically, amaranth is a superfood!
2. Amaranth Is Aesthetically Pleasing As An Ornamental Plant Besides being a useful food crop and potentially even a staple food, amaranth is also very ornamental, making it beautiful in a garden in addition to be a productive culture.
3. Amaranth is Easy to Grow and Treat Amaranth is also remarkably easy to grow. It is a crop that can thrive in a wide range of conditions, even growing well in less optimal conditions. When used as a “grain”, amaranth is also easier to process than many other commonly grown grains which often require specialized equipment to process before use.
4. Amaranth is a resource-efficient and sustainable choice It is considered a sustainable crop due to its efficient use of resources. It requires less water and fewer other resources to grow successfully than other more traditional cereal crops commonly grown in the UK.
5. Amaranth often reseeds itself and is easy to propagate Amaranth can often reseed itself in a garden, which can be beneficial in a productive garden. Growers can also easily collect seeds and store them for sowing the following year. This of course makes it easier to develop a self-sufficient and sustainable garden where you don’t need to buy seeds every year to perpetuate your plantings.
6. Amaranth can be a useful companion plant Another reason why amaranth can be very useful in a garden is that it can be a good companion plant for a range of other crops. As it grows tall, it can be useful in changing environmental conditions and possibly providing shade for other plants behind it. This can, for example, prevent spinach or lettuce from going to seed. When in flower, amaranth can also attract a wide range of insects, for pest control and pollination purposes. This means insects will be present to help control pest populations and pollinate other important crops in your garden. Amaranth may also be potentially useful as a dynamic accumulator of certain nutrients, like its relative amaranth. Although the details of this and the effectiveness of using it in this way have not yet been studied in depth.
7. Amaranth Leaves and Seeds Are Both Considered Beneficial to Human Health Amaranth is a good source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. One cup (246 grams) of cooked amaranth contains: 251 calories. 9.3 g of protein. 46 g of carbohydrates. 5.2 g of fat. 105% of the recommended daily intake of manganese. 40% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium. 36% of the recommended daily intake of phosphorus. 29% of the recommended daily iron intake. 19% of the recommended daily intake of selenium. 18% of the recommended daily intake of copper. Amaranth proteins are considered complete proteins, gluten-free and balanced in terms of amino acid composition. Amaranth proteins are rich in bioactive peptides, and their hydrolysis products have demonstrated potential in the prevention of several diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Amaranth proteins are rich in albumin, glutenin and globulin, while the variability in albumin and glutenin content depends on the geography and variety of amaranth. According to the FAO, amaranth grain as a protein source is “superior in content and quality to traditional cereals.” As you learn amaranth growing techniques, be sure to track the habitat types in your garden to ensure you can grow fruits and vegetables correctly, including how to grow arugula.
Antioxidants in Amaranth Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect the body against harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases. Amaranth is a beneficial source of health-promoting antioxidants. Phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillic acid, are abundant in amaranth and act as antioxidants, potentially protecting against heart disease and cancer. A study in rats found that amaranth boosts antioxidant activity and provides liver protection against alcohol damage. Raw amaranth has the highest antioxidant content, while processing and soaking methods can reduce its antioxidant activity. Further research is needed to understand the potential impact of amaranth antioxidants on human health.
Other Health Benefits Amaranth is also rich in several pigments, such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, amarantine, anthocyanins, betalains, betaxanthins and betacyanins, as well as natural antioxidant phytochemicals, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which act as scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the human body. So scientists have discovered or believe that green vegetables and the seeds of these plants offer a wide range of different health benefits.
Amaranth vs Quinoa Amaranth and quinoa are both
