Amaranth

Amaranth is a leafy vegetable cultivated for both its leaves and seeds. There are many types but the ones grown for eating are commonly known as green and red amaranth. The leaves have a slightly pungent flavour and are used in the same way as spinach, either raw in salads, in stir-fries and curries, or as an ingredient in soups. Amaranth is best used on the day of purchase as the leaves become limp quickly. Amaranth seeds, which are very high in protein, are used in soups and cereals, or ground to make a gluten-free flour.