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red amaranth
Scientific Name: Amaranthus cruentus
Family: Amaranthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
Amaranth, often called by its genus name, is a diverse group of plants known for their edible leaves and seeds, as well as their ornamental value. Several varieties exist, displaying a range of colors and uses.
Considerations for Pets
- Some varieties, like "Red Amaranth," can grow rampantly and could become a garden weed.
Considerations for Children
- Amaranth leaves come in varied colors like green, red, and purple.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Amaranthus spp. (The provided text references multiple species)
- Common Names: Amaranth, Chinese Spinach (also referred to as yin choi, especially for red-leaved varieties), Red Calaloo (in the Caribbean), Red Leaf
- Cultivars/Varieties: "Hopi Red Dye," Micro Red Amaranth Cress, Red Army, Garnet Red, Red Stripe Leaf, Red Leaf Amaranth Seeds tricolor, Red Calaloo.
- Synonyms: Red Stripe Leaf is used synonymously with Red Calaloo.
Distribution and Habitat
- Amaranthus is a cosmopolitan genus, meaning it is found in many parts of the world.
- "Hopi Red Dye" amaranth was historically used by the Hopi tribe.
- One variety originated from North America.
- The text mentions amaranth's presence in Asian markets and use in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.
- Red-flowering Guatemalan amaranth originates from Guatemala.
Morphological Characteristics
- Leaves: Can be round or lance-shaped, ranging from 5 to 15 cm or more. Colors include light green, dark green, reddish, variegated, or with red stripes. Some varieties have oval leaves with rounded tips and visible veins. Some varieties have pointed leaves.
- Seeds: May be white, yellow, pink, or black.
- Flowers: Can be huge tassels or tiny globes, red, pink, yellow, or cream. Some varieties have showy red flower spikes.
- Stems: Some varieties have hairy stems and long spikes of flowers.
- Roots: Roots are sometimes tinged red.
Ecological Role
- Amaranth is related to pigweed, a common weed.
- Some ornamental varieties can become rampant weeds.
Uses
- Culinary: The smallest leaves can be eaten raw in salads. More commonly, leaves are cooked by stir-frying, adding to soups, or incorporating into sauces. Micro Red Amaranth Cress is used in stir-fries, egg dishes, and salads. The grain is popular with the gluten-free crowd.
- Dye: The flowers of the "Hopi Red Dye" amaranth were used as a dye.
- Medicinal: Used to treat toothache and fevers in some regions.
- Cosmetic: Women performing native dances sometimes wear the red amaranth flower as rouge.
Quirky Facts
- The Today Show has called amaranth greens the next kale.
- Red amaranth microgreens are described as having an amazing translucent violet color.
Additional Resources
- Bob's Red Mill is mentioned as a supplier of amaranth grain.
- Facebook has profiles of people named Red Amaranth.