Amaranth - a Gem in My Potager

This post "Amaranth - a gem in my potager" was originally uploaded by Tyra Hallsénius Lindhe in th blog Tyra's Garden

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hopi Red Dye'

Other names are Red Amaranth, Purple Amaranth and Prince’s Feather

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Hopi Red Dye’ this amazing purple-red leaved plant is one of the gems I have in my potager I grow it for the leaves but it also yields the nutritious amaranth grain.

 This Amaranthus cruentus is one of three Amaranthus species cultivated around the world as a grain source. The other two being Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus. This season I will also grow Amaranthus caudatus ‘Red Garnet’ and Amaranthus tricolor ‘Calaloo’.

The whole plant (leaves and grain) is highly nutritious and healthy. The Amaranth contains loads of protein, vitamins and valuable minerals and it says that this plant has been used as a food source since as early as 4000 BC

Today I will plant my three Amaranth species and I'll show you later on how they are doing. In the end of the summer I hope they will have grown to the same height as me!