Amaranth, from the past for the future

One of the plants that may be able to help solve the crisis of world hunger has been with us ever since the beginning. Cole traces the amaranth from its days in pre-Columbian Central America, in Asia and Africa, to many of today's most advanced research centers where there is an exciting revival in alternative crops. The amaranth, in its eight thousand-some years, has seen many glorious times. A high-protein flour made from its seed was once a major part of meals in nearly every Mexican household. American Indians found it made a vibrant red dye, and the Chinese used the leafy greens as a nutritious vegetable staple. Popped and sweetened, it was a sacred ceremonial food in many parts of the world. Colorful varieties were planted in indoor and outdoor ornamental gardens. But as agriculture became commercialized, many food plants, like the amaranth, that had value in past cultures were forgotten. After centuries of obscurity, however, there is good reason to believe that amaranth will become important again. Among its attributes: ranks among the most efficient crops in production of dry matter, protein, and vitamins; contains protein of high nutritional quality; has a high content of minerals important to human nutrition; adapts to high temperatures when many of the common leafy, green vegetables are unproductive.