For a quick side dish, steam amaranth in vegetable broth and serve it with
toasted sesame seeds.
Amaranth, which originated in what are now Central and South America, is actually a seed
from a broadleaf plant. It was a staple food among the Aztecs, who mixed it with honey and
human blood and consumed it during worship rituals. Because it’s practically
gluten-free, amaranth is a good alternative to
wheat.
Varieties
Amaranth is used in cereals and in baked goods, such as crackers, cookies, and breads, and
is available packaged as a whole grain or flour.
Buying and storing tips
Find amaranth in most natural foods and grocery stores; buy it in bulk for maximum savings.
Store it in a cool, dry area in a sealed glass or plastic container, because air, moisture,
and sunlight can cause the oils to go rancid.
Availability
Amaranth is available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
In baking, combine small amounts of amaranth with other
flours. Or heat it in a heavy, dry skillet until the seeds pop, and serve it with milk and strawberries as a breakfast cereal. Or, steam amaranth with vegetable broth and serve it
as a side dish with toasted sesame seeds. Steamed
or boiled amaranth congeals as it cools, so it must be eaten right away.
Nutritional Highlights
Amaranth, 1 cup (195g)
Calories: 729
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrate: 129g
Total Fat: 12.7g
Fiber: 29.6g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (298mg), Iron (14.8mg), Magnesium (519mg),
and Folate (95.5mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires March 2005.
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