Blood amaranth Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Blood amaranth

Scientific classification
Genus:	Amaranthus
Species:	cruentus
Synonyms
Synonyms list A. anacardana Hook.f. A. arardhanus Sweet A. carneus Moq. A. esculentus Besser ex Moq. A. farinaceus Roxb. ex Moq. A. guadeloupensis Voss A. guadelupensis Moq. A. incarnatus Moq. A. montevidensis Moq. A. paniculatus L. A. purgans Moq. A. rubescens Moq. A. sanguineus L. A. sanguinolentus Schrad. ex Moq. A. speciosus Sims A. spicatus Wirzén A. strictus Willd.

Amaranthus cruentus is a type of flowering plant that gives us a very healthy grain called amaranth grain. It's one of three Amaranthus plants grown for their seeds, which are eaten like cereals. Some of its common names in English are blood amaranth, red amaranth, purple amaranth, and prince's feather. In Mexico, it's known as huautli or alegría. People in India and Kerala also have special names for it.

What Does Blood Amaranth Look Like?
How People Use Amaranth
- Eating the Seeds
- Eating the Leaves and Stems
Growing Amaranth Plants
Images for kids
See also

What Does Blood Amaranth Look Like?

Amaranthus cruentus is a tall plant that grows every year. It can reach up to 2 meters (about 6 feet) high! It has pretty clusters of dark pink flowers at the top. This plant usually blooms from summer into fall. Most Amaranthus cruentus plants are green, but there was once a purple kind grown for special ceremonies by the ancient Inca people. Scientists believe it came from another plant called Amaranthus hybridus.

How People Use Amaranth

People in North America and Central America started using Amaranthus cruentus as a food source a very long time ago, around 4000 BC. That's 6,000 years ago!

Eating the Seeds

The seeds of this plant are eaten like a cereal grain. Wild plants have black seeds, but the ones grown by farmers have white seeds.

They can be ground into flour to make bread or other baked goods.
They can be popped like popcorn for a crunchy snack.
They can be cooked into a warm porridge.
In Mexico, they are used to make a sweet treat called alegría.

Eating the Leaves and Stems

The leaves of Amaranthus cruentus can be cooked just like spinach. The seeds can also be sprouted, which makes them even more nutritious. Even though it's not a main food source in North and Central America anymore, it's still grown and sold as a health food because it's so good for you.

In Africa, this plant is very important for farmers who grow food for themselves and their families. In some parts of India, like Maharashtra, the leaves are stir-fried with coconut for festivals. The stem is also used in tasty curries. The Zuni people used the feathery part of the plant to make red dye for ceremonial bread. They even used the crushed leaves and flowers as a natural rouge for their cheeks! In Kinnaur, India, the grain is used to make a sweet dessert called kheer for weddings.

Growing Amaranth Plants

Amaranthus cruentus is not just for food; it's also grown as a beautiful ornamental plant. People love its feathery, colorful flowers. It's usually grown from seeds. Gardeners often start the seeds indoors in early spring and then plant them outside when the weather gets warmer.

Many different types of Amaranthus cruentus have been created by plant breeders. Some popular ones that have won awards for their beauty include:

Autumn Palette Group: These plants have flowers in earthy colors like rust, cream, and brown.
Oeschberg: This type has bright crimson (deep red) flowers.
Velvet Curtains: This one also has deep red or crimson flowers, looking like soft velvet.