Amaranthus cruentus – Red Amaranth, Blood Amaranth

Description

Amaranthus cruentus, commonly known as Red Amaranth, is a fast-growing annual plant native to Central and South America. Its seeds are very small and disc- or lentil-shaped. While the wild variety produces black seeds, domesticated forms cultivated for food typically have white, off-white, or pale yellow seeds.

The seeds are harvested from dense, upright flower plumes that grow on the tall plant. The plumes can be a striking crimson or purple color. Historically, this species was a vital food source for the Aztecs, Incas, and Maya. The seeds can be ground into flour, popped like popcorn, or cooked as a porridge. They are also highly nutritious, being gluten-free and rich in protein and essential amino acids.