in Alcohol, Edible Raw, Flour/Starch, Grain/Nuts/Seeds, Greens/Pot Herb, Medicinal, Miscellaneous, plants, Protein Plant source, Recipes, Salad, Soap/Saponins. Leave the older, larger leaves to collect energy for the plant. Put the amaranth “tabouli” on the lettuce and garnish with olives. Any counsel would be great and thanks for this informative page:). While spiny amaranth is considered edible for humans, it is highly toxic to sheep, cattle and goats. I meant to say a fifth species of wild amaranth. Then winnow because you’ll get some seed heads and flower debris. Amaranth was a staple of pre-Colombian Aztecs, who imbued it with supernatural powers and made it part of their religious ceremonies. TIME OF YEAR: Spring in to summer for the leaves, summer or fall for seeds, depending upon the climate. Regards, Bonnie. In Mexico they are roasted for the traditional drink “atole.” Peruvians use the grain to make a beer. Allow to cool. This wild edible can be a beneficial weed as well as a companion plant serving as a trap for leaf miners and some other pests; also, it tends to shelter ground beetles (which prey upon insect pests) and breaks up hard soil for more delicate neighbouring plants. I did not notice they used the seeds, but probable they did or continuing using. If older leaves and stems are used the spines must be removed. I appreciate your curiosity about the giant amaranth. Why, after I cook this grain would I have a feel of sand in my mouth? Thank you for your clarity & your sense of humor. I have read there are no poisonous amaranths but it is curious that such a large and obvious plant has left not usage trail. ENVIRONMENT: Full sun, rich to poor soil, as long as moisture is available. It would be wonderful to have the resources to study and either confirm or disprove this, but in the meantime, there is no harm in practicing a little appropriate caution. It’s a little hard to harvest “green” amaranth seeds. In the Andes of Peru was the first time ( more than 30 year ago )I notice that this plant was eateable. In spite of some wild rumors, all amaranth can be eaten — even glyphosate-resistant Palmer pigweed — with a couple of caveats. I’ve eaten australis as have many of my friends. Amaranthus spinosus (spiny amaranth); leaves alternate, broadly lanceolate to ovate, discolorous, up to 7 cm long, 4 cm wide, margins entire, base tapering to a slender petiole up to 7 cm long, with a pair of straight spines up to 1 cm long at base. There are no poisonous amaranths. We only need to investigate in which way we can use. Leaves are occasionally found for sale on markets. So much so that eating the amaranth is almost out of the question because the bugs riddle the leaves so much. I don’t know whether it becomes bitter or tough or the livestock can taste some toxins in it. Amaranthus spinosus common name is spiny amaranth and it is belong to amaranthaceae family. TIME OF YEAR: Spring in to summer for the leaves, summer or fall for seeds, depending upon the climate. A third is A. spinosus (spin-OH-sus, spiny.) If you only knew how much of this I had to knock down with a yoyo as a kid in the bar ditch as one of my chores so my folks could see the road from the driveway LOL. While we have not eliminated spiny amaranth, we have well established populations now of a couple of edible species which come up spontaneously in our field, in some cases nudging out the spiny amaranth. Seed germination in relation to the invasiveness in spiny amaranth and edible amaranth in Xishuangbanna, SW China. Note notches in the leaves, often present. Nile Valley north of Nubia (Cairo). An article published 23 Aug 2007, in the Journal of Natural Medicines, reported an extract of the plant in rats  “exhibited control of blood glucose… showed significant anti-hyperlipidemic … effects….”  and increased sperm count and weight of their sex organs. Thanks for the videos and work you do. The farmers and poor people used to eat in soups and stews mixed with quinua, potatoes, chiles (aji ) and meats. If you want to collect the seeds after they form, take a large, non-porous bag, put it over the top of the plant, gently tip the plant to the side, and shake. Amaranthus spinosus (Spiny Amaranth) on 6-24-19, #605-2. In a mixed legume and grass pasture, it is very difficult to control spiny pigweed without injuring the legume or grass component. A grain, a green, a cultural icon, a religious symbol… amaranth is colorful plant with a colorful history. They would mix amaranth flour and human blood then shaped the dough into idols that were eaten in their well-known sacrificial ceremonies. Habitat. Amaranthus spinosus plants is used as a tenderizer in cooking tough vegetables such as cowpea leaves and pigeon peas. Amaranth seed is high in protein, some 16%, contains lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not often found in grain,  and is high in fiber, three times that of wheat. Thanks! In general, it is very common in roadsides, waste places, railway … can you eat all types of amaranth?? The seed is very small but easy to harvest and very nutritious. Spiny amaranth, Spiny pigweed, Prickly amaranth or Thorny amaranth Amaranthus Spinosus is the spiky tree growing in the nature h. Photo about agriculture, edible, diet - 173125238 Time revealed it to be Amaranthus australis, also called Hemp Amaranth and Southern Amaranth. As with most plants used for “greens” young and tender leaves are usually best, take them from the top. In total I frequently see seven, because I cultivate two additional species. Has spread around the world. It’s absence from ethnobotanical records and foraging books is a mystery to me. They receive sun from 11 am – 7 pm. We have vegetable amaranth that can get nearly as tall as our grain type, and usually much bushier. A short-lived herbaceous plant growing up to 1 m tall. hi I have kids with bone marrow failure. In marshy areas it grows up to 4 meters high with a very thick stem. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. it can be produced at dry season and dry land it doe not need much water means it is very preferable to produced in now a days weather condition. ago – my first garden in containers- buying the seeds at a local hardware store. The amaranth do like the heat. Deane, are you sure amaranth has a significant saponin content? Amaranth seed is high in protein, some 16%, contains lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not often found in grain,  and is high in fiber, three times that of wheat. The entire plant is used to make medicine. My friend Andy Firk down in Arcadia, Florida, reports he eats all the time with no problems. Amaranth seeds have a protein content of about 16 percent, more than other widely consumed cereals like conventional wheat, rice or maize, according to a book on the topic by the US National Research Council. spiny pigweeds emerge to provide pre-emergence control. I thought it might have come from the bird seed as I have two feeders, but then I realized it was only growing in an area where I had incorporated a bag of Moonure. If you are going to eat amaranth seeds soak them over night in water to reduce their saponin content. A few observations: We usually leave a space for the amaranth and lambs quarters that reseed prolifically in our gardens and appreciate them as well as the domesticated greens that were planted on purpose. Then I got the same taste 2 months ago at friends in Knysna. I’m in need of some live plant samples of Amaranthus blitoides (prostrate pigweed). ( called “love lies bleeding” ) I wonder if it’s too late to eat the leaves. Foraging should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. All of our amaranth ends up looking as if it were shot full of holes with BBs, so much so that we never are able to harvest any perfect leaves unless we catch the plants at 3 inches or less. Hi Patsy, Last had marog as a child west of Rustenburg in 1950′s, Blacks used to pick it wild in the “mielie lande”. But I regularly buy amaranth seed to add to oatmeal and corn bread– great crunch and flavor. Species across the genus contain concentric rings of vascular bundles, and fix carbon efficiently with a C4 photosyntheticpathway. Re domestic amaranth, I’ve not had much luck growing it in my gardens. I had no idea what it was . Thinking of growing my own, any input would be appreciated Wash and dry lettuce leaves and use them to line a salad bowl. Management A single plant can produce 100,000 seeds! Feral versions are green, sometimes with red stems, spindly and usually no more than two feet, rarely three. I was expecting a bounty as well as a beauty. They have barely grown or changed since I put them in the ground months ago. Amaranthaceae, the amaranth family, contains some 174 genera and around 2,500 species distributed worldwide.Its members are typically herbaceous plants or subshrubs, many of which can tolerate poor saline soils.The flowers are often small and borne in dense inflorescences, and the simple leaves are usually arranged alternately along the stem. If harvested in fertilized area or in drought the amaranth can be high in nitrogen. How easy is it to harvest the seeds without all the chaff or whatever you call the frass etc.? Found throughout most of of the Americas. spiny amaranth. As for cooking the leaves, I use them like mustard greens, boiling them for 10 minutes or so and then season with salt, pepper, and butter, or with some olive oil and vinegar. Learn how your comment data is processed. Elsewhere it’s used to  treat toothache and fevers or to color maize and quinoa. Amaranthus albus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). Amaranth species that Species belonging to the genus Amaranthus have been cultivated for their grains for 8,000 years. Along with the sod came a big amaranth that I took home and transplanted just to see what it would be. Found around and in gardens, stops signs, vacant lots, an opportunist. Grain varieties can be six or seven feet tall. In some pastures, fairly beat-up, short spiny pigweed can They like warm, damp soil is what I have discovered. Pigweed is one of the common names given to a clutch of Amaranth species that crash parties where they are not wanted. I took a bunch of wild amaranth from a neighbor’s yard that was fixing to be mowed, is it safe to eat the seeds while they’re still green? The seeds are probably edible like other Amaranthus, but are small and very difficult to remove from the fruit, making harvest impractical. Seeds eaten raw or ground into flour. In Mexico and India the seeds are popped and mixed with sugar to make a confection. In Nepal the seeds are made in to a gruel. If you place rocks around the base of the plants, they thrive! Alternate. Amaranth is a herbaceous plant or shrub that is either annual or perennial across the genus. Books could be written about amaranth alone. Almost like nettles but not so elongated (and didn’t sting). Besides, the variety of vegetables is enormous so why bother to sample and eat those giant leaves when you have over 100 other veggies available (wild and cultivated). I will come back to your site for further study on edibles. In Mexico and India the seeds are popped and mixed with sugar to make a confection. Once the first couple true leaves are up, you can tell whether its a desirable species or the spiny weed - and weed accordingly. I have a huge article on exactly that. Amaranth is a broad-leafed, edible plant that some say may hold the answer to improving diet in the world's most obese country—Mexico. METHOD OF PREPARATION: Tender young leaves raw in salads, or cooked like spinach. Here’s an interesting recipe from Salt Spring Seeds. We have tried to keep it away, with no luck. This first comment is about the heights discussed, particularly about the grain types being much taller than the vegetable types. Chill for an hour or more to allow flavors to blend. The plants emerged from the bags of humus and soil which I bought some time ago (and that probably originated from composted plant material that was gathered from the canals). Also internally as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery. Thanks for your teachings. Spiny amaranth is a very noxious weed in many parts of the world. Plants produce on average 50,000 seeds each. Seed germination in relation to the invasiveness in spiny amaranth and edible amaranth in Xishuangbanna, SW China. In general, it is very common in roadsides, waste places, railway yards, cropped land and gardens, up to 1400 m altitude. In Nepal the seeds are made in to a gruel. in Spanish is bledo. I use it to make brownies but when used as a replacement for wheat flour in making gravy you get a nice blue colored gravy. This was an accidental discovery. The green part of amaranth is eaten as vegetable and the seeds are utilized as grains. So when it populates a section of overrused pasture, it seems to serve a protective function for grass, shielding it from the livestock as it regenerates and providing some cover from the summer sun. I really believe it is so valuable…it’s actually invaluable. He would use bails of hay between the rows to keep in moisture and discourage the weeds, but with the hay came pasture seeds from amaranth, lambs quarters and others. Have you ever noticed amaranth seeds turning stool a red color? Its widespread distribution and its sharp spines, which deter grazing and interfere with m… Edwards et al., reported that 2,4-D applied in June provided 80 percent control. Still… nothing. I can’t remember where I recently published a comment on your site asking about a weed that reminded me of amaranth, but was obviously not. It also has calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, C and E. Spiny amaranth has edible leaves and might be a medicine and sex aid. license cc-by-nc-sa-3.0 copyright Bibliotheca Alexandrina. While watching one of your videos on lamb’s quarters last night, you happened to come across the weed in question, which is curly dock! It is originally comes from fields in South America towards Central America to Mexico. After a good washing, into the pot they go whole, to cook up like spinach in omletes and stir fry. It’s a common weed here, several species actually. Note that some species of amaranth leaves, particularly purple amaranth… The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website. Everithing that God created is good. Edible parts of Spiny Amaranth: Leaves and stems - raw or cooked as a spinach. It isn't as common as its relative A. hybridus here in the Midwest. You are right, though, livestock will usually avoid plants with high nitrate content- even the ‘choicest’ domesticated foragers that farmers & ranchers plant IF that plant is too high in nitrates (as when fertilized recently with chemical fertilizers, OR growing in or near manure) UNLESS they are not getting enough to eat… Also, some types of plants can tend to concentrate nitrates more under drought conditions, which can compound a problem. Spiders, mites, and some teeny tiny black bugs that were smaller than the grain. They have received plenty of water and sunshine. To my surprise seeds are actually available here in RSA. It is native, and huge, 15 feet tall is common. Its leave are nutritionally on par with spinach, which is a relative. It can be a serious weed of rice cultivation in Asia. Both spiny and edible amaranths (Amaranthus spinosus and A.tricolor) are exotic annuals in China that produce numerous small seeds every year.Spiny amaranth has become a successful invader and a troublesome weed in Xishuangbanna, but edible amaranth has not, although it … It got to be a semi-ritual for him to “offer up” the free food that crowded out his beloved tomatoes, peppers, and other cherished crops, that I was more than happy to help him with! IDENTIFICATION: Annual growing to three to six feet, is frost tender. It brings back many happy memories. Popped in a frying pan with the right timing but it would blow right out of an air popper. You have a nice style as you dispense information. Good with purple potatoes. Spiny amaranth or spiny pigweed,a herb,vegetable and broad leaf weed in agriculture filed. Yes and the African people called it marog. ??? The seeds i got looks all white seeds, the plants grow 6 foot or more when fully mature. So it’s not bothering me so much now, and as I’ve learned about the free food it may provide me I become even more forgiving. Scientific studies on anticancer properties of amaranth. Then winnow because you’ll get some seed heads and flower debris. Human sacrifices were extremely common among equatorial jungle people around the world. I imagine you have found samples by now, but if not I have plenty growing where I am living right now in Salt Lake City. Amaranthus spinosus, commonly known as the spiny amaranth, spiny pigweed, prickly amaranth or thorny amaranth, is a plant is native to the tropical Americas, but is present on most continents as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. The botanical genus name, Amaranthus, (am-a-RANTH-us) comes from the Greek word “amarandos, (Αμάραντος) which means non-fading, since its flowers last a long time. At three inches or less, we harvest the whole plants while weeding or thinning, hold them in a bunch, and snip the roots off. I’m going to collect some seeds when my stuff is ready this year. A leafy, many-branched plant, often with reddish stems, and pairs of sharp spines at the stem nodes. In doing so, they serve us well as a trap crop. Another is A. hybridus. The main Amaranthus species eaten in Suriname are A. dubius, A. lividus and, to a lesser extent (because of the spines) A. spinosus. Amaranthus spinosus common name is spiny amaranth and it is belong to amaranthaceae family. Now I guess I must try it? There are no poisonous amaranths. Many parts of the plants, including the leaves and seeds, are edible, and are frequently used as a source of food in India and South America – where it is the most important Andean species of Amaranthus, known as kiwicha. Simmer amaranth in an equal volume of water for 12-15 minutes. It’s also nutritious. It was not a buggy year at all with my other produce. Spiny amaranth, sometimes called spiny pigweed, is a troublesome weed of vegetables, row crops, and pasture in warm climates. Amaranth Recipe Ideas. The blood ceremonies did stop but for more reasons than the outlawing of amaranth. And Harold L. Smith Newmark, say that the protective or anticarcinogenic effect that is associated with all polyunsaturated oils could be attributed to the increased amount of squalene faced to other saturated fats, a premise supported by other experimental studies in animals. I have a small farm stand and would like to grow Amaranth for its leaves. 3) The roots are quite easy to pull up. You can also get amaranth flour to make gluten-free goodies. Also if you avoid spinach for health reasons you should avoid amaranth. thanks for all the great amaranth information. Slender amaranth Green amaranth. We are fortunate to have access to a resource like eattheweeds.com, eh?! if this is true and where can I find seeds. They are absolutely devouring the wild amaranth but leaving the cucumbers alone! Herbal medicine: Medicinal properties amenorrheic Medicinal parts Aerial parts Has medicinal uses yes Do not self-administer no Do no use if pregnant no Legally restricted no Toxicity precautions Medicinal notes Amaranthus spinosus may have beneficial uses as an amenorrheic.Herbal remedies are only prepared from the aerial parts.