Ruby-Red Amaranth
Amaranth microgreens are a perfect way to add a vibrant splash of ruby to any dish! The microgreens are a brilliant red color, with the leaves being deep red. Their slightly nutty flavor comes from its classification as a pseudo-cereal grain, which means that they are closely related to cereal grains and act similarly. Amaranth is filled with antioxidants and similar nutrients. It can even help lower cholesterol levels! Like other microgreens, is can be used in any form. We are amazed by it’s beauty and the taste.
History
The ancient people in the Aztecs cultivated amaranth as a major part of their diet. They used quinoa-like grains as a main source of food. Amaranth originated in Peru and diffused outwards to the rest of the world from there. Amaranth seeds were popped, cooked like quinoa, or used as a thickener in foods.
Nutrition
Amaranth is a complete protein, which means that it has all the amino acids. Amaranth is the only grain that contains vitamin C. The leaves contain more calcium and phosphorus than spinach. It is more related to spinach than other grains hence why it is called a pseudo-grain. There are more than sixty different varieties of amaranth which can grow up to 27 feet. The seeds are gluten-free and amaranth cookies are becoming very popular! Here is a vegan recipe.
A vibrant garnish
You can find Amaranth seeds sneaked in the 12 grain bread or a cereal bar. You might even see them in granola blends and healthy snack bites. They help in elevating the nutritive value of power food blends, hence are used along with quinoa, flax seeds or ancient grains like millet and barley.
We were beyond excited to find another from in which they can be used. As microgreens, they are not a by-stander or a sneaky addition. They take the center stage by making a home cooked food look gourmet, as well as providing the mega nutrients. You will also fall in love with its peppery taste and can add more or less based on your preference. When added to pasta salad, amaranth microgreens stuck to the noodles like saffron threads making them easier to eat with pasta instead of trying to scrape from the bowl.
Avocado toast with amaranth
Pasta salad with amaranth
Minced mushroom tarts with amaranth
Citation:
F. (2015, September 9). All about Amaranth. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from