Amaranth

Common Amaranth next to it's decorative cousin Cock's Comb

Amaranth is a remarkable plant with outstanding nutritional and medicinal properties. It was domesticated about seven thousand years ago by the Aztecs who considered it a sacred grain. When the Spanish invaded, they outlawed the use of amaranth in their attempt to weaken the foundation of the native culture. I’ve been asking around and looking everywhere for whole amaranth seeds to cook with, but they are extremely scarce (although the plant grows on the sidewalk). Puffed amaranth seed is everywhere, used in cold cereals and blended in smoothies, but lacks the nutrients due to its processing. More common is the treat known as “alegria” (happiness), a brick of sweetened puffed amaranth which recalls the Aztec tradition of molding amaranth and honey into ceremonial idols. More later...


-Kenny