Slender Amaranth (Amaranthus blitum)

Family: Amaranthaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Amaranthus blitum is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in Vitamins A & C, rich in vitamin B1. — Leaves - raw or cooked as a spinach.; The leaves contain about 3.88% protein, 1.1% fat, 9.38% carbohydrate, 3.2% ash, 323mg Ca, 8.3mg Fe, they are very rich in Vitamins A & C, rich in vitamin B1.; The leaves are used as a potherb in order to remove poison from the system.; Used as a cereal substitute in cakes, porridge etc.

Habitat & North American Range

A cosmopolitan weed growing on waste ground. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)