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What is Amaranth?In modern life the most used grain in the western world seems to be wheat. Amaranth is an ideal alternative for people who can't tolerate wheat or are on a gluten free diet.It is not actually a grain but a seed about the size of a poppy seed. The Aramanth plant grows up to 4 to 7 feet tall (there are at least 60 varieties) and has red flowers. It is easy to grow and seems to have originated in Mexico. Each plant produces thousands of tiny, golden tan seeds. It is more common in Asian countries nowadays. In Nepal they use the ground seeds to make chappatis. Uses of AmaranthThere are many ways to use the plant, including eating the leaves raw in salads or cooked and eaten like spinach. On the gluten free diet the seeds are what interest us most, however. The seeds must always be eaten cooked, because raw they contain compounds that can ihibit absorbtion of essential nutrients.The seeds can be boiled, 1 cup Amaranth to 2 cups water, for 20 minutes and eaten as a cereal. They can also be added to soups and stews where they will gradually dissolve, thickening the meal as it cooks. In Mexico it is often popped like popcorn and eaten with sugar. The seeds can be ground into Amaranth flour and used for baking. As Aramanth has an intense, nutty flavour it is most commonly combined in a recipe in a proportion of 1 part Aramanth to 3 parts of other flours. Use 1 cup Amaranth flour in place of 1 cup of wheat flour in a recipe. Due to its colour and flavour it is ideal for spicy or chocolate cakes or cookies. It does tend to brown quickly so take care. NutritionAramanth is an extremely nutritious food. It is an excellent source of fibre and is one of few vegetable plants that provides a complete protein. As well as a wonderful addition to a gluten free diet, due to the fact that it provides twice as much calcium as milk it is also ideal for a dairy free diet. It also supplies iron and potassium in addition to Vitamins A and D.Aramanth can be kept for up to 6 months in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If it is not regrigerated it can go rancid during prolonged storage. Only buy as much as you can use in a short period of time.
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BuckwheatTotally safe for a gluten free diet despite its name!
ArrowrootGreat as a thickener for soups and sauces.
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Therefore no information on this site should be taken as medical advice. Return to top of amaranth Return to Home Page |
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