Amaranth

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Amaranth

Long is the tradition that considers amaranth a sacred plant. The name amaranth comes from the Greek amarantos and that is "that does not fade". Hence the meaning attributed to it by the Greeks of plant of friendship, of mutual esteem and more generally of all true feelings which should never change with the passage of time, as they are eternal and unique. In Greek mythology it is said that the Goddesses loved to be celebrated with garlands of amaranth; in this context, amaranth was therefore used to obtain protection and benevolence. The Romans attributed the power to keep amaranth away from envy and misfortune. In the period 600-800 the amaranth was used to decorate clothes and clothes, as it was thought to be able to give physical well-being.
Amaranth is an interesting plant in many respects. In fact it has undoubted decorative qualities thanks to its inflorescences and its brightly colored leaves. It is, however, held in high regard also for its seeds, edible and usable in many ways. They are very valuable for their protein and mineral salt content and are also increasingly sought after in our country.

Amaranth characteristics

Amaranth is an annual herbaceous plant with very variable height. The species cultivated for ornamental purposes rarely exceed the meter, those used for the production of seeds can instead reach even 3 meters. The leaves differ greatly depending on the species and can be from oval to lanceolate. The inflorescences, produced in summer, are panniculus and of great dimensions (they can exceed even 1 meter of length). In Italy they are generally dark red, but there are also varieties that have green, yellow or mixed colors. The seeds, white, yellow or black, are very small (less than 1 mm in diameter) and light. Their shape is reminiscent of lentils, but with the edge more crushed.

AMARANTO IN BRIEF
Latin name	Fam. Amarantaceae, gen amaranthus
Type of plant	Annual herb with deciduous leaves
Height width	Up to three meters / up to 80 cm
culture	simple
Water requirement	Medium-high
Multiplication	seed
Rusticitа	semirustico
exposure	Full sun
utilization	Vase, border, flower beds
ground	Clayey, calcareous, rich
pH	Neutral, sub-alkaline

Etymology and language of flowers

The name amaranth comes from the Greek and means "immortal" or "that does not fade". The flower is in fact very durable both on the plant and when it is cut. Precisely for this reason it is an excellent subject to use for dry compositions.
From this its characteristic also derives its meaning in the language of the flowers: it is given when it wishes a lasting love and imperishable fidelity.

History of amaranth

Amaranth is native to Central America. It was one of the most ancient domesticated plants in man since his seeds were found in tombs dating back more than 4000 years.
It was held in very high esteem by all the pre-Columbian civilizations that had sensed its great nutritional potential. The culmination of its cultivation came with the Mayan, Aztec and Inca civilizations. It was also considered a curative food and used in various religious rites.
They were given invigorating, aphrodisiac and even esoteric virtues. Consequently it became a sacred and precious plant, to be offered to the gods, during celebrations and inside the tombs. On special occasions (and still today), amaranth was ground or toasted and then mixed with American agave honey. The resulting pasta was used to make small animal figures, warriors or gods. At the end of the ceremony the figures were cut and eaten by the people who took part in it.

From the discovery of America to today

The arrival of the Spaniards coincided with the condemnation of this cultivation and all related uses. Its use in fact appeared too tied to pagan rituals and it was decided to suffocate it. Even today, little is used in Central American cuisine, although it is an integral part of many traditional dishes.
In Europe it reached around 1700 and was for a long time used only for ornamental purposes (and also in this case those who wanted to put it in the garden were hindered because of the injury).
In the '70s some American universities analyzed the seeds and enhanced the nutritional qualities of the product. From that moment the cultivation became more interesting, also thanks to the adaptability of the plant to different soil and climate situations.

Ground

Amaranth loves rich and fresh substrates, preferably neutral or sub-alkaline, with a good amount of calcium. It is always important to incorporate abundant mature, flour or pellet manure. This, in addition to enriching the soil with nutrients, will improve the texture and vitality.

Exposure

To achieve vigorous growth and an abundant production of inflorescences it is essential to place amaranth in a sunny position, where it receives direct sunlight for at least five hours a day. Because the plant does not suffer damage it is also extremely important to insert it where it is very sheltered from the winds. As an adult, both stems and flowers can make it very vulnerable to gusts.

In pot

Amaranth grows equally well in pots, provided it is medium to large in size. The ideal substrate in this case is a mixture of equal parts of soil for flowering plants and rich clayey soil. However, always incorporate a few handful of slow release fertilizer, with good amounts of potassium.
In flowerbeds and borders it is an excellent summer companion for cosmetics, dahlias, lavatera and ajuga reptans.

Sowing amaranth

Sowing takes place in the North between April and May, in the South it can instead proceed already at the end of March, that is when the frosts are unlikely.
It is possible to proceed using alveolar trays with rather large jars (inserting three seeds for each one) or directly at home in rows or spread. The minimum temperatures for germination are around 15 ° C.
The seeds (which we can recover ourselves) remain vital for at least three years.
Once the germination has taken place we transfer to the house (in the case of the use of trays) or we proceed with the thinning. We leave only the most vigorous plants respecting a distance of 50-80 cm from each other.

Irrigation

In order to grow luxuriantly, amaranth needs frequent irrigation and a soil capable of keeping itself fresh for a long time. It is therefore important to intervene often, preventing the area near the foot from drying out completely.
The administrations will have to be even more frequent for the subjects in pots, above all during the periods of strong heat. In that case it may be useful to use the saucer.

Crop care

Amaranth reaches remarkable heights. It is therefore important to help stabilize it by equipping it with guardians.
To stimulate the production of floral panels it is good to remove as soon as possible the withered ones. This will also help us to prevent the plant from becoming invasive.
A further aid to prolong the flowering season comes from the fortnightly administration of fertilizer for flowering plants. For individuals in pots, liquid products are ideal, while those in the open ground are more suitable for slow-release granular ones.

Pests and diseases

It is a resistant plant but can become a victim of aphids, snails and slugs.

Variety

Amaranth in the kitchen

As we said the amaranth is rich in virtues and is increasingly appreciated by those who love light and healthy cuisine. It is also particularly appreciated by vegetarians and vegans due to its large supply of proteins with a high biological value, difficult to find in other fruits or vegetables or seeds.
It is first of all very rich in lysine, an essential amino acid absent in most cereals. It also provides up to 13% of high quality proteins.
It also abounds in calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium and phosphorus. It also provides a good amount of lecithin, useful for the functioning of the cardio-circulatory system and for the health of the coronaries.
Its fats are mostly unsaturated, therefore useful for fighting inflammation, for blood values ​​and for keeping the memory active.
It is therefore recommended for elderly people, children, pregnant women. The latter find a valid aid against osteoporosis, given the abundant supply of calcium.

Amaranth seeds

Before using them, they must be thoroughly washed under water, using a very thick fabric sieve (due to their size).
Then cover them with double the volume of cold water and cook slowly, with a lid, for about 20 minutes.
From cooked they have a rather sticky and particular consistency. They combine well with vegetables or mixed with cereals or legumes.

Amaranth flour

It can be used to replace up to 25% of the cereal flour. It will make the dough softer, moist and sweet. It is a good way to reduce the use of sugar and therefore the caloric intake of foods.

Germinated seeds

As with all seeds, germination exponentially increases nutritional properties.
An easy way to get this product is to wash the seeds and put them in a jar filled to the brim with water. This will be changed twice a day. After about 72 hours the first radicle will appear. They remain edible for about three days from that moment. They are excellent in salads, in yogurt, on vegetables. The ideal is to eat them raw, so that they retain all their virtues.

Leaves and Flowers

Take them only from plants that we have grown personally and taking care not to use any type of plant protection product. The leaves that appear in spring (between April and June) are the most tender and suitable for consumption. They can be used raw in salads or to accompany other vegetables. But they can also be steamed.
The flowers instead are eaten when they are very young, shortly after their appearance. They are used raw in salads or as decoration in dishes.

• Amaranth flower

  
  
  The amaranth flower, symbol of immortality in Western culture, is' the only one that does not wither in meaning
  
  visit: amaranth flower

first name	cultivars	Flowering	height	Other characteristics
Amaranthus caudatus (foxtail)	Generally red, but there are cultivars with yellow and green flowers	July September	1 m	Foliage with red ribs. Small flowers in decombe decks.
Amaranthus tricolor		Not significant	1 m	Beautiful foliage, from green to red to bright yellow
Amaranthus hypochondriacus (panicolato)		July September	Up to 1.50 m	Edible leaves and seeds. Erect habit