Purple Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)

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

Amaranthus cruentus is a ANNUAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to 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

mild-flavoured leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. — Leaves - cooked as a spinach.; The mild-flavoured leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals.; Seed - very small but easy to harvest and very nutritious.; They are eaten cooked or ground into a powder and used for making cakes etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)