AMARANTH GRAIN

Description

Profile: Sweet, earthy, gluten-free amaranth. The cornerstone of gluten-free diets is abundant in protein, iron, and fiber. Amaranth is a versatile grain that may be used in savory soups, delicious pastries, and more!

How To Cook Amaranth

1:2 amaranth to water, broth, or beverage Bring amaranth and liquid to a boil in a pot. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until all water is absorbed.

To prepare, mix 1/2 cup amaranth with 1.5 cups liquid. Bring amaranth and liquid to a boil in a saucepan. Stir occasionally for 20-25 minutes until the water is absorbed.

Amaranth Cooking Ideas

- Amaranth is a gluten-free grain with great flavor. Organic amaranth can be cooked and eaten in numerous ways, from rice to popcorn!

- To eat amaranth, simply boil it for 15-20 minutes and add it to your morning cereal or salad, as you would couscous or quinoa.

- You may also mill it into amaranth flour to use in baking, toasting it first to bring out the nutty flavor.

- Popping amaranth and seasoning it like popcorn is a fun way to eat it.

- Amaranth whole seed can be used in soups, granolas, and bread.

Amaranth Grain Health Benefits

Amaranth is a Protein Powerhouse: Amaranth has 13-14 percent protein, which is 30 percent greater than other cereals. Amaranth includes lysine, an essential amino acid for creating muscle protein and helping the body run.

Amaranth Contains More Fiber Than Any Other Gluten-Free Grain: More fiber than any other gluten-free grain per cup of amaranth. Buckwheat and millet have 17g each, while white rice has 2.4g.

Amaranth May Lower LDL “Bad” Cholesterol Levels: Amaranth is one of the few grains that contains phytosterols, substances that help prevent disease and may help decrease LDL cholesterol. Phytosterols, found in amaranth, are known to reduce cholesterol. These findings appear in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

Amaranth Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is linked to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Amaranth is a Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Accumulates vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and other biological functions. This ancient grain is high in folate and riboflavin.

Amaranth is Easy to Digest: Cooked amaranth is 90% digestible, making it easy on the stomach and easy on the body.

Hints on

Amaranth should be stored in a well sealed glass jar in a cool, dark, dry place. Avoid storing organic amaranth near a stove, oven, or dishwasher. Organic amaranth has a one-year shelf life if stored properly.

History
The Aztecs ate amaranth and utilized it in holy rites. The Aztecs used amaranth to make holy statues of their gods, such the hummingbird god. After the celebrations, the statue would be eaten. To discourage Aztec religious rites, the Spanish conquistadors forbade amaranth planting, and it remained a weed for centuries. The excellent nutritional value of amaranth grain led to its resurgence in the 1970s.