Amaranth

Amaranth is a seed, although often confused with a grain and has been used since the ancient time of the Aztecs.

It is a high nutrient seed being high in protein and calcium. It is very high in the amino acid lysine (this is the amino acid that helps get rid of those pesky cold sores). The protein content is around 15-18%, good fibre, also good source of the amino acid methionine, vitamin C, magnesium and silicon. The little seed contains more calcium than dairy and has the supporting nutrients to make it more bioavailable.

This can be a good addition to the diet if you have higher nutrient needs such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, infants/children, those that have quite physical jobs or those that do high intensity exercise.

Yes this seed can be costly, but it is a concentrated food and it can be mixed with other foods eg add some to your muesli or in baking.

You can pop it like popcorn and for a nutty flavour you can toast it. It can be used in bread, cakes, soups and other grain dishes and it cooks like rice. Amaranth puffs are easy to source in Australia if you can’t find the actual seed. This seed can be sprouted as well to get a truly nutrient dense ingredient for your salad.

Have you tried amaranth?