description Amaranth Overview
Amaranth is a genus of annual or short-lived plants in the family Amaranthaceae. Several species are grown for their edible seeds, which can be cooked as a grain, while others are cultivated as leafy vegetables or ornamental plants with colorful flower clusters. Amaranth has a long history of cultivation in the Americas, including use by Indigenous societies, and remains relevant to gardeners, growers, and people interested in diverse food crops.
help Amaranth FAQ
Is amaranth a grain, a vegetable, or an ornamental flower?
It can be all three, depending on the species and cultivar. Amaranthus cruentus and A. hypochondriacus are grown for seed, A. tricolor is used as a leafy vegetable, and colorful amaranths are also grown for their flower clusters.
Is amaranth naturally gluten-free?
Amaranth seeds are naturally gluten-free and are often treated as a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal grain. Packaged amaranth products can still face cross-contact with wheat, so people with celiac disease should check processing information.
Why is amaranth important in Mexican food history?
Amaranth was known as huautli and was cultivated by Indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central America before European colonization. Species such as Amaranthus cruentus were used for both edible seed and leafy food.
How do gardeners grow ornamental amaranth?
Amaranth is a warm-season annual that prefers sun and is usually sown after the soil has warmed. Love-lies-bleeding, Amaranthus caudatus, is especially recognizable for its long, hanging red flower clusters.
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