Few plants are a blend of beauty and nutrition, such as the Amaranth. It is a leaf vegetable that has been in use for centuries now. Its foliage may be green or numerous colors consumed like its relatives, chard, and spinach. The large, bright flowers of some Amaranth species are truly breathtaking. 

In myth, Amaranth is a deep purple or red-colored flower that never fades and is a symbol of immortality. It does not die as all other flowers do. Plus, it never changes and stays the same forever. 

In ancient Greece, Burgundy Amaranthus was believed to have healing powers and was mostly used to decorate the images of gods as well as tombs. Interesting enough, right? In this article, we will talk about every detail and fact of Burgundy Amaranthus. Keep reading! 

History of Burgundy Amaranthus 

In ancient times, specifically at the peak of the Aztec empire, Amaranthus was the preferred flower used to carve and decorate statues of deities. One of those deities was the Huitzilopochtli, the local war deity in the Aztec culture. 

His effigy was crafted using Amaranthus mixed with honey. The result was scarier than it sounds. After the termination of the Aztec empire, the Spanish conquerors prohibited the growing of Amaranthus due to its pagan past. The plant survived in some areas of Mexico and can be found in Mexican cuisine to date. 

The plant made it to the United States in the second half of the twentieth century and soon found its place in gardens and recipes. 

Growth of Burgundy Amaranthus 

Most of the amaranth species are fast-growing plants. Their height ranges from a few inches tall to 8 inches. If we talk about taller amaranths, they have shrub-like growth habits. Besides, all amaranth species, ranging from green to yellow and orange to red, are edible. 

Amaranth isn’t selective about soil types. It is drought tolerant, but plants growing in full sun during dry spells may need additional irrigation. 

Burgundy Amaranthus is easy to grow, and you can cultivate it for edible leaves, microgreens, and grains. Its leaves and flowers plumes have a deep red color, making it an excellent ornament addition for your yard and garden. The mature plants of Burgundy Amaranthus will grow 6-8” inches tall, so make sure that you have enough space for them. 

Tips for Growing Burgundy Amaranthus 

Growing the Burgundy Amaranthus can provide a unique, eye-catching specimen in garden beds. Burgundy Amaranthus is an exciting way to use space without a perennial commitment. 

The flower is very easy to grow. It requires minimal care after the seeds sprout. Until the seedlings start growing actively, they should be kept consistently moist. Once grown, the plant is drought resistant and needs little looking until it develops fully. 

Benefits of Burgundy Amaranthus 

From the early days, people found out that Amaranthus was more than just an aesthetically appealing plant with rich foliage and beautiful blooms. It is rare to find a plant that is absolutely gorgeous and also edible. 

And we aren’t just talking about one species. All the species of Amaranthus are edible, and you can consume both seeds and leaves. Lets’ take a look at the benefits of Amaranthus:

• High in Fiber 

The leaves of the plant are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Consumption of fiber helps shed extra pounds and wards off heart diseases as it lowers cholesterol levels. It is high in both protein and fiber, which helps to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. 

• Boost immunity 

Another reason to make Amaranthus a part of your diet is that they are rich in vitamin C. Consuming 100 grams of amaranth leaves will fulfill 70% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. 

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and essential for fighting infections and quick wound healing. It also reduces the effect of free radicals in the environment, which are responsible for various types of cancer. 

• Rich in Antioxidants 

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that fight free radicals. Amaranth leaves are a good source of health-promoting antioxidants. 

• Mild Flavour

The seeds of Amaranth taste like sesame and can be used in various recipes to enhance the nutrition content and taste. 

• Contains Lysine 

Amaranth leaves contain lysine, an essential amino acid required for energy production and absorption of calcium. It is also beneficial for hair growth and good skin. People suffering from greying of hair or hair loss will benefit significantly from eating amaranth leaves. 

• Rich in Vitamins 

Amaranth leaves are rich in vitamin A, K, and B vitamins. It meets 97% of the body’s daily need of this antioxidative vitamin. It is also full of flavanoid polyphenolic antioxidants like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. 

Vitamin K is essential for bone health and plays a vital role in blood clotting. B vitamins help prevent birth defects in newborn babies and necessary for optimal physical and mental health. 

How to Store Burgundy Amaranthus?

You can store the leaves of Burgundy Amaranthus in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Store dried cured seeds in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container to extend their shelf life. 

Uses of Burgundy Amaranthus

Amaranthus is widely used as an ornamental to enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes. Even more intriguing is the plant’s ability to remove lead from soil. Secondly, amaranth seeds are highly nutritious and versatile. It is packed with protein, and the abundance of lysine makes it a complete protein. 

Lastly, there are various varieties of Amaranth, such as the Burgundy Amaranthus and the red Amaranthus, which can be used for different foods. You just need to look for some amaranth recipes to get the right dose of nutrition. 

To conclude, amaranthus is a very beneficial and beautiful plant. Make sure to make the most of it by buying it from a trusted seller. So when are you making some delicious amaranthus recipes?