Amaranth: The Forgotten Grain

Amaranth is a forgotten grain. It's the hardest to find in a store, on a menu, and even at specialty shops and restaurants. The taste and texture may contribute to it. We often liken the smell of dried amaranth to grasshoppers and the texture to slime. I know I'm not doing a good job at proving why you should eat this but, don't worry, I will!

Amaranth is the most mineral-dense grain on the planet. Or at least that I'm aware of. This is why it smells so strong and tastes so unique. Amaranth is loaded with calcium. magnesium, iron, trace minerals, and protein. In fact, it has more digestible protein than any other plant sources AND it is complete in that it is full of L-Lysine: the amino acid that most grains lack. 

L-Lysine is a superstar amino acid that helps prevent and treat viruses and viral breakouts like shingles, herpes, and possibly even HIV. It protects the immune system, strengthens the skin, and helps create healthy muscles and collagen structures like tendons and ligaments in the body.

It is said that there is no malnourishment wherever Amaranth is eaten. As far as growing it, it grows nearly anywhere, in any climate, and can easily thrive in poor soil, drought conditions, and the cold. The nutrient density of this grain and its ability to grown anywhere makes it extremely beneficial for a world that is running out of whole foods and room. This grain is sustainable, vital, and SO good for you.

Now, about the taste, how does one work with it? I recommend starting with this tasty breakfast porridge. You'll need:

1 cup amaranth
1 cup coconut milk from the can (or homemade/store bought nut milks)
1/2 pint blueberries
5 walnuts
1 tsp. cinnamon
maple syrup or raw honey

1) Simply add 1 cup of amaranth to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, simmer and keep covered for 15-25 minutes until most water is absorbed. It should resemble cream of wheat porridge.

2) Add everything else except for the walnuts or honey, stir well, and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

3) Pour a serving into a bowl, top with crushed walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of your preferred sweetener (optional) and enjoy this warm, creamy, delicious and nutritious breakfast!

It makes a great snack and post-workout food as well. Your kids will love it if you add organic cocoa powder to it and chill it in the fridge. It tastes like a decadent chocolate pudding that way. Perhaps the kid in you will love it too?

I first discovered Amaranth many years ago when I was detoxing my liver and curing Candida in my gut. Amaranth porridge was an essential part of my diet. It's a great food for anyone with stomach issues as the grain is less abrasive because it creates a soothing mucilage rather than an abundance of indigestible fiber like wheat or brown rice. 

Enjoy!