It is a herbaceous plant that many classify as a 'pseudocereal'. Its cultivation is native to the temperate and warm zones of Central America. You know how to eat amaranth? It is currently beginning to be produced experimentally in Spain, since its consumption is growing. It is a very vegetable healthy and it has a great gastronomic interest. If you do not know it, we are going to explain a little more the history, properties and even use in the kitchen of this food also known as 'kiwicha'.
Its name comes from Greek and it means always viva. This name has its explanation because the plant is in almost permanent flowering, with a beautiful inflorescence and coloration. This has led her to be known in many places as a ornamental plant, but his great interest is in food. It was already used by cultures such as Mayas, Incas and Aztecs for their contribution to diets. With the great industrialization of agriculture it ceased to be important and, today, due to its properties, it returns, like other vegetables, to have food and gastronomic attraction.
Culinary interest
Its nutritional composition makes amaranth one of the most interesting plants in the world. Its great drought resistance and adaptability, In addition to its high level of protein and minerals makes it a very interesting plant for human consumption. In many places on the planet it enjoys a certain fame. In addition, its agricultural yield under normal conditions is very acceptable and it can be grown in many places to help the much needed diversity. From the ecosystem and from food.
The FAO describe amaranth as one of the best plant foods for human consumption. Also NASA It has been used in the nutrition of astronauts since 1985. The space agency considers it one of the foods of the future due to its properties and the contribution of health benefits. So you know, learn to how to eat amaranth to enjoy them.
Amaranth properties
Although it looks a lot like a cereal, amaranth has a protein level more similar to a legume since it is around the 17%. Has almost complete in essential amino acids, except for leucine. Regarding the carbohydrates It is worth mentioning that they are its main component with a 57% and being found, almost entirely, in the form of starch. Unlike cereals, this starch is not accompanied by gluten, which can be very interesting for many people.
On the other hand, it has a high level of vitamins of group B, as well as minerals, among which we can highlight calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. We must also highlight its high level of antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds, and levels of fiber which are superior to most cereals with a 7%. However, what draws the most attention to this vegetable is because of the high level of unsaturated fats you have, about a 8%, that provide many benefits to our health.
Its benefits
Before seeing how to eat amaranth, one of the main benefits (being a food rich in unsaturated fats) it affects cardiovascular problems, helping to reduce cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. To all this it also helps that it is rich in slowly absorbed carbohydrates.
This vegetable contains a low glycemic index, thus helping all people with problems of diabetes. In addition, since it is gluten-free, it is also ideal for celiac people or little tolerant to this element.
Its high protein level makes it a very interesting food for all people vegan, especially for contain lysine, an essential amino acid that is not present in many cereals. Finally, its high level of vitamins B and E helps to improve the immune system and also the metabolism. Even due to its high level of fiber, it provides a better balance and improves the microbiota in the intestine.
In gastronomy: how to eat amaranth
In general, in the kitchen it can be treated like a cereal, as is the case with rice. Also like the quinoa, being able to substitute many recipes where these ingredients are present. This will help to have a richer and more diverse diet with all the advantages that this entails. But how to eat amaranth? Well, it can be cooked and joined with legume salads. Also simply cook it and use it to filling zucchini, aubergines, croquettes, or just skip it to accompany other vegetables.
La amaranth flour is interesting for some recipes and to use it as thickener for soups and sauces. The sprouts of this plant, like many other sprouts, can accompany many salads and preparations. Finally, due to their high level of fat, they can be made Popcorn simply by heating a pan and turning this seed into a delicious snacks. Surprising right? You already know how to eat amaranthNow you just have to enjoy it!
