Amaranth

 "Naija Greens" Callaloo. Ancient Greek "Life everlasting"...

                 Above :  Amaranth seed, baby leaf and full grown leaf.

Amaranth is  of the Amaranthaceae family. Grown for its protein rich leaves as well as it nutritious grains. The name Amaranthus is said to come from the ancient Greek meaning ‘life-everlasting’ which probably refers to its habit of self-seeding. It is also known as Indian, African or Chinese spinach or sometimes as calaloo. This plant seems to have everything going for it, it is easy to propagate, does not care where you put it, produces an abundance of fresh leaves to eat in summer and delicious nutty grains in autumn, it tastes great and is versatile in the kitchen.

Amaranth seeds

I ordered my seeds a few weeks back for my "grow your own" garden and I am amazed at how these seeds have developed into little leafy green wonders.

Plant it! simply spread the seeds like you would tomatoes seeds cover sparingly with soil, watch it grow.

Edibility :) Boil with/without salt for 5 minutes keep it fresh. Drain with or without salt, condiments if you please, add meat or fish or completely without.

The Goodies :)

Amaranth leaf: This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin, and a very good source of Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.

The seeds are very low in Sodium. It is also a good source of Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Manganese.

 Gift it stylishly...It will look great on a window seal :)