Americas, Africa & InDIA

Amaranth

Amaranthus spp.

GrainProtein-richGluten-freeAmericasAncient

Overview

Sacred to the Aztecs and suppressed by colonisers, amaranth is one of the most nutritionally complete plants on Earth. Rich in protein, lysine, and minerals — it is both grain and leafy vegetable.

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) was sacred to the Aztecs — a grain so central to their culture and religion that Spanish colonisers banned its cultivation in an attempt to destroy indigenous identity. Despite centuries of suppression, amaranth survived, and today it is recognised as one of the most nutritionally complete plants on Earth.

Amaranth is both a grain and a leafy vegetable. Its seeds are rich in protein, lysine, and minerals; its leaves are eaten as a vegetable across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It grows quickly, tolerates drought and heat, and can be cultivated in a wide range of climates.

Nutrition

What's inside

14g per 100g

Protein

Very high

Lysine

159mg per 100g

Calcium

7.6mg per 100g

Iron

None

Gluten

Growing Guide

How it grows

Growing Guide

Amaranth is a fast-growing, heat-tolerant crop that can be grown in a wide range of climates. It requires minimal water and can be grown in poor soils. Both the seeds and the leaves are edible, making it one of the most versatile food plants in the world.

Climate Resilience

Amaranth is highly tolerant of heat and drought. It uses C4 photosynthesis — the same efficient mechanism as maize and sugarcane — which allows it to grow rapidly in hot, sunny conditions with minimal water.

Soil Health

Amaranth has a deep taproot that breaks up compacted soils and improves drainage. Its dense canopy suppresses weeds, reducing the need for herbicides. It is often grown as a cover crop to improve soil health.

Traditional Uses

How it has been used

In Mexico and Central America, amaranth seeds are popped like popcorn and mixed with honey or chocolate to make alegría — a traditional sweet. The seeds are also ground into flour for tortillas and tamales. In Africa and Asia, the leaves are cooked as a vegetable, similar to spinach.

Cultural Story

The story behind the crop

The Aztecs called amaranth huauhtli and used it in religious ceremonies — mixing the seeds with honey and human blood to make effigies of their gods, which were then eaten by worshippers. When the Spanish arrived, they banned amaranth cultivation, recognising that destroying the crop would weaken indigenous religious practice. Despite this, amaranth survived in remote communities and is now experiencing a global revival.

Related Crops