Amaranth ( Chinese Spinach )
Amaranth grows vigorously in most climates and needs a minimum of water. Both the leaves, which taste like spinach, and the seeds contain a high concentration of lysine, an essential amino acid lacking in all of the world’s main cereal crops. One study conducted in Denmark concluded that the addition of amaranth to other cereal flours improved protein quality without affecting energy utilization. A study published in the Journal of Food Science concluded that amaranth is also highly suitable for utilization in infant formulas. The seeds can be used for breads, pastries, or can be popped like corn. In addition to its high fiber, calcium and iron, amaranth also has two times more calcium than milk. When used in combination with wheat, corn or brown rice Amaranth offers a complete protein as high in food value as fish, red meat or poultry. Cooked amaranth has a total digestibility of about 90%. Amaranth’s unique nutty flavor makes it a welcome addition to many types of food products.
Note: Germination instructions are not on seed packets, follow the instructions below for starting seed.
Sowing Amaranth Seeds:
Sow outdoors 1-2 weeks before the last frost date. Or sow indoors 4 weeks early. Barely cover the seeds. Thin to 12-18" apart. Full sun. Easy to grow.
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NPV001 All Red
Glossy red leaf, deep red stem, imparts a royal appeal to salads
Package of 1,000 seeds. $8.95
NPV002 Asia Red
Large pink-red leaf, very delicious
Package of 1,000 seeds. $8.95
NPV003 Bayam
Dark green slightly crinkled leaf, easily grown, for exciting salads
Package of 1,000 seeds. $8.95
NPV004 Red-Green Calaloo
Red/green variegated heart shaped leaf, for mixed salads, soup, or with meat or fish, heat tolerant, 50 days
Package of 1,000 seeds. $8.95
NPV005 Round Green Leaf
Fast growing, popular in Chinese salads
Package of 1,000 seeds. $8.95
NPV006 White
Light green leaf and stem, for salad contrast
Package of 1,000 seeds. $8.95
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