Amaranth is either considered a weed in much of the world, but has been cultivated as a grain-like seed for thousands of years. The Aztecs used it as a staple and even included it in their religious rituals. Amaranth is definitely a plant that is worth considering and evaluating according to its composition and beneficial characteristics.

Amaranth does not contain problematic proteins such as gliadin and gluten found in wheat, rye and barley. This makes it the ideal ingredient for a variety of gluten-free recipes and an excellent alternative for people on a gluten-free diet or people with celiac disease.

Amaranth is a very rich source of protein and essential amino acids. In fact, just one cup of amaranth contains about 10 grams of protein. In addition, this protein is highly bioavailable, meaning it is more digestible than other seeds and grains and can be compared to milk protein in digestibility.

Grains are a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and only 100 g provide 6.7 g or 17% of the daily need for fiber. Fiber in food helps prevent constipation by speeding up its movement through the intestines. Fiber also binds to toxins and removes them from the intestines.

Amaranth is a very rich source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and copper. It is also a good source of zinc, potassium and phosphorus, which are important minerals for the nervous, brain and cardiovascular systems. They build strong bones and muscles, aid hydration, increase energy, and are vital to thousands of processes in the body.

Preparing amaranth is extremely easy. For this purpose, the grain is soaked in water for 10-12 hours. Thus, its nutritional profile is perfectly preserved and it becomes a great addition to muesli.

Amaranth is also consumed a lot in the East. In India, for example, it is present in almost every sweet. In Nepal, chapatis and all kinds of flour are made from it.In addition, the Amaranth flour is recommended for feeding babies, and dried fruits, honey, nuts and fresh fruits can be added to it.

Here a simple recipe for

Amaranth pudding:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked amaranth,
• 1 cup of apple juice,
• ½ cup of raisins,
• ½ cup of finely sliced ​​almonds,
• 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla,
• Juice of half a lemon,
• Grated rind of one lemon,
• 1 pinch of cinnamon.

Pour all the ingredients into a deep pan. Let them boil under a closed lid. When this is done, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

The finished pudding is poured into dessert bowls. Garnish with grapes or strawberries. Cool in the refrigerator and you can enjoy a tasty and healthy dessert.

Shared with joy

A.A

Stob, Bulgaria