Ataco (Amaranthus quitensis)

Family: Amaranthaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Amaranthus quitensis is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is frost tender. 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. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

A red edible dye is obtained from the inflorescence, it is used in S. America for colouring ceremonial maize dishes. Leaves - cooked. Used as a potherb. Seed - ground into a powder and used as a flour. — A red edible dye is obtained from the inflorescence, it is used in S.; America for colouring ceremonial maize dishes.; Used as a potherb.; Seed - ground into a powder and used as a flour.

Habitat & North American Range

An infrequent casual of waste ground in Britain, introduced with bird seed, soya-bean waste etc. It rarely, if ever, sets seed in Britain. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)