Introducing...Amaranth, the SUPERGRAIN!

In my last post, Banana Nanna Bread, I included amaranth as part of the recipe. I thought I'd share with you a little more information about this goodly gluten-free grain, let you become better acquainted with it so maybe, just maybe, you'll try it out.

Like I said before, amaranth has a nutty, very specific flavor, good for certain recipes (see below about this).

Here's a blurb about this supergrain from Dr. Pam Popper's Health Briefs Online:

An often-overlooked aspect of nutrition is the importance of variety. This is
especially important in consumption of grains. People tend to consume too much
whole wheat, and not enough of other grains.

Amaranth is a great
alternative grain product. It is high in protein (15-18%) and contains two
essential amino acids not usually found in grains - lysine and methionine. It is
high in fiber and contains calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamins A
and C.

The fiber content of amaranth is 3 times that of wheat and its
iron content is 5 times higher. It contains 2 times more calcium than milk.
Amaranth also contains tocotrienols, a form of Vitamin E, which have been shown
to lower cholesterol in humans. The amaranth seeds have a unique quality in that
the nutrients are concentrated in a natural nutrient ring that surrounds the
center, which is the starch section. This results in the nutrients being
protected during processing.

Amaranth is very easily digestible and is a
great food for people recovering from illness.

Amaranth can be cooked as
a cereal, ground into flour, popped like popcorn, sprouted or toasted. The seeds
can be cooked with other whole grains, added to stir-fry dishes or soups and
stews and can also be used as a thickening agent.

If you use amaranth
flour in baking goods, it must be used with other grains. It does not contain
gluten. The ratio should be one part amaranth to 3-4 parts wheat or other
grains. If you are making pastas, flatbreads or pancakes, you can use 100%
amaranth flour.

There are several cereals, pastas, and other products
available in health food stores that contain amaranth. One that I particularly
like is Nature's Path cereals.

Try using amaranth or purchasing products
that contain it as part of your program to increase variety in your diet!

(Health
Briefs Online, volume 1, p. 39)

So whaddaya waiting for? Go get some amaranth!