Amaranth , ( Amaranthus spp . ) is primarily take a grain crop because of the small , nutty - flavored seeds it produces — it ’s a tight cousin to quinoa . But amaranth ’s productive potential extends well beyond the grain it bear . This ancient works is incubate in edible , nutritious foliage with a flavor standardized to spinach .
Amaranth greens can be harvested young and summate to salad intermixture and sandwiches , while larger leave and shoot are perfect for steaming , braising or sautéing . you could habituate amaranth in any formula that calls for spinach . To grow these beautiful and nutrient greens , follow these simple dance step .
Preparing to PlantSelect a site that obtain a lower limit of six to eight hour of full sun .
Amend the soil with compost or aged sawhorse or cow manure . Because amaranth grown as a green call for more N than amaranth grown as a grain , you may also add a few sparse handful of bloodmeal or cottonseed repast to the planting surface area as a rude nitrogen source , but do n’t go overboard , as too much atomic number 7 can cause slender , floppy growth .
Purchase seeds of a assortment of amaranth bred specifically for green production . My favorites let in Burgundy with gorgeous red shoots ; Green Calaloo with bright - green foliage ; Red Leaf Stripe with blood-red and green motley foliage ; Tricolor with red , Bourgogne and green foliage ; and Tender Leaf , a dwarf variety .
Because amaranth germinates best at soil temperature around 68 degree F , it ’s good to waitress until mid- to recent - spring to embed . The crop is also intolerant of frosts , so wait until well after the danger of frost has passed .
cover SeedsThe ejaculate of amaranth are extremely modest . When sowing , conceive mixing them with coarse - grained sand to help disperse them evenly . Distribute the seed sparingly across the Earth’s surface of a fine tilled planting seam and lightly rake them in . There ’s no motivation to plant in row or trench , as the leafy vegetable will be harvested well before the plant life contact maturity .
Water the seed in and bear on to cater them with an inch of piss per workweek during times of drouth . Although amaranth is middling drought - broad , even wet levels pass to better production .
HarvestingThe seminal fluid will sprout in seven to 14 day . Tiny sprouts with their first twain of true farewell can be harvested a few days later and used as micro - jet . But for dandy production , allow the plant to reach 1 to 2 substructure magniloquent before harvest home .
To harvest unseasoned amaranth greens , reduce off the entire plant a few inches above solid ground stratum . Often the works will re - burgeon forth and bring out a second and even third , crop of greens . Amaranth is a heat - tolerant harvest so , using this method acting , it ’s potential to have fresh greens produce all summertime long . If plants farm faster than the shoot can be used , you may allow some to bear on to originate and heyday . you could also harvest shuck from these more mature industrial plant , but the leave will have to be fix well and the stems will have to be undress . Young shoots are more tender .
To keep amaranth clean until use in the kitchen or to betray fresh amaranth greens at mart , gather the cut stalks into bunches and store them in upright containers filled with an column inch or two of urine . The shoot will stay impertinent for five to seven days , more if the foliage is on occasion misted with water to keep it from drying out . Glass mason jars make great mart displays , and signage will help customers understand how to use the luscious leafy vegetable in their own kitchen . provide recipes is sure to help , as well .
Future CropsMature amaranth plant life bring on beautiful spire or cascades of flowers , and depending on the variety , they may reach 5 to 6 feet improbable . provide a few plants to hail into flower every twelvemonth . They will dribble germ and your amaranth crop will proceed the following time of year . Be careful , though , as a single plant can grow up to 100,000 seeded player ! Selectively slim the flower heads before ejaculate bead to prevent an overwhelming number of seedlings the following spring .
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