H: Amaranth
http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:amaranth
Amaranthus spp
Other Names amaranth, cock's comb, kiwicha, lamb's quarters, love lies bleeding, pigweed.
General Information
Amaranth is a bushy plant that grows two to seven feet tall. Although the seeds are used like grain, they are not related to cereal grains which are members of the grass family. There are over 60 species in the genus that include those grown for seeds, those grown for leaves and many that are either weeds or ornamental plants. Almost all of them are edible.
Amaranth has broad, alternate leaves and a feathery flower head of small red or magenta flowers. This flower head is unmistakable and really does look like the feathers of some exotic bird. The seed heads resemble really bushy corn tassels. Each plant is capable of producing 40,000 to 60,000 tiny golden colored seeds. (Wild species produce black or brown seeds.)
History and Folklore
The name Amaranth comes from the word amaranton, which means "unwithering", because the flowers maintain their shape and color when dried.
Amaranth was a staple in the diets of pre-Columbian Aztecs, who believed it had supernatural powers and incorporated it into their religious ceremonies. Before the Spanish conquest in 1519, amaranth was associated with human sacrifice and the Aztec women made a mixture of ground amaranth seed, honey or human blood then shaped this mixture into idols that were eaten ceremoniously. This practice appalled the conquistadors who reasoned that eliminating the amaranth would also eliminate the sacrifices. The grain was forbidden by the Spanish, and consequently fell into obscurity for hundreds of years.
In the Cusco area the flowers are used to treat toothache and fevers and as a food colorant for maize and quinoa. During the carnival festival women dancers often use the red amaranth flower as rouge, painting their cheeks, then dancing while carrying bundles of amaranth on their backs as they would a baby.
In India amaranth is known as "rajeera" (the King's grain) and is popped then used in confections called "laddoos," which are similar to Mexican "alegria."
In Ecuador, the flowers are boiled then the colored boiling water is added to "aquardeinte" rum to create a drink that "purifies the blood," and is also reputed to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Propagation
Amaranth is very easy to grow. It is an annual, so it will have to be replanted, or allowed to self-seed each year. It readily reseeds, however, and unless you're careful you won't have much choice in the matter. It doesn't transplant well and grows best outdoors. It tolerates a variety of soil types, though fertile, well-drained soil is best. It is resistant to heat and drought and has no major disease problems, although it is susceptible to fungus if the soil is kept too moist. It has the ability to bounce back from a wilt when conditions improve.
Just throw down some seeds in the spring, mid-May to early June is best. It works well in crop rotation with corn or soybeans. There are no herbicides listed as safe to use with amaranth, which is just as well, because I like to go organic. At any rate, the wide leaves shade the ground so that few weeds stand a chance in all that shade once the plant gets going.
Harvesting & Storage
You can harvest the seeds as late as the day after the first frost. If the leaves start to fall off, that's an indication that it's about ready. You can then cover the seed heads with a brown paper bag and shake the seeds loose. Pick off the leaves and use as needed. They are best when they are young and fresh and are usually in good shape late spring through early autumn.
Store away from light in a cool, dry place. Light, heat and moisture will damage the oils in the seeds and cause them to go rancid.
Flower heads can be cut when they bloom and hung upside down to dry.
Magical Attributes
Amaranth is sacred to Huitzilopochtli, an Aztec Sun God and is a suitable offering to Artemis and Demeter.
A crown of amaranth flowers worn on the head speeds healing.
To make sure that you are never struck by a bullet, pull up a whole amaranth plant (including roots) preferably on a Friday during the Full Moon. Leave an offering to the plant and then fold it, roots and all, in a piece of white cloth. Wear this against your breast and you'll be 'bullet-proof.' I imagine you'd have to use one of the smaller, ornamental varieties for this.
The dried amaranth flowers have been used to call forth the dead, I don't know the process for this.
Amaranth is used in spells to repair a broken heart.
It is also associated with immortality, and is used to decorate images of gods and goddesses as well as in Pagan funeral ceremonies.
Woven into a wreath, it is said to render the wearer invisible.
Household Use
Amaranth flowers dry well and look good in floral arrangements.
The flowers of red amaranth can be dried, powdered and used as a cosmetic to brighten lips and cheeks.
Healing Attributes
Amaranth is a highly-nutritive tonic herb. It should always be cooked before being eaten and it should be grown in a low-nitrogen situation.
Amaranth seeds can be used as a grain substitute for someone who is sensitive to grains or looking for a low-carb option. Because it is highly digestible, it is also good for people recovering from an illness or breaking a fast. It must be mixed with other flours for making yeast breads because it contains no gluten. See more information under "culinary use".
Amaranth seeds have also demonstrated effectiveness in helping to lower cholesterol.
An extract of the flowers can be used externally for sores and ulcers and as a mouth wash for sores in the mouth.
Culinary Use
Amaranth seeds are packed with protein and fiber though they seem to also contain some chemical that inhibits their absorption. Whatever this chemical is, it is more of a problem with raw seeds than cooked seeds. They can be processed in a variety of ways, including popped, ground into flour, flaked and others. The whole seeds can be added to baked goods for texture, cooked into a cereal, added to soups and stews as a thickening agent and a bit of texture, or roasted and eaten like sunflower seeds.
To cook amaranth seeds as a cereal or side dish, like rice or couscous, combine equal parts water and apple juice or broth (depending on whether you want your amaranth to be sweet or not) to get 2 cups liquid. Place in a sauce pan with 1 cup amaranth seeds and bring to a gentle boil. Cook about 18-20 minutes until the liquid is dissolved and the seeds are tender. Experiment with different herbs for different flavors for a side dish. For breakfast cereal, add raisins and honey while cooking and serve with milk.
Amaranth flour can be used in making pastas, flatbreads and pancakes. Because it contains no gluten, it must be mixed with other flours for yeast breads, but you can use up to 50% amaranth flour with no negative affects on the performance of the base flour.
In Mexico, popped amaranth is blended with molasses or honey and formed into a bar, much like a granola bar, or Rice Krispy treat. This treat is called "alegria" (happiness). The roasted and milled seed is also used to make a traditional drink called "atole."
Amaranth leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach. They are very high in iron and vitamin C and also contain calcium, protein, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Just steam them lightly. They are especially good sprinkled with sesame seeds or pine nuts.
In Africa and the Caribbean, amaranth is a common pot herb and the leaves are picked off as needed.
Additional Notes
Amaranth grows as a weed in many gardens. Look for a thick, smooth red-veined stem, arrow-shaped leaves and a bushy flower head. Weed varieties produce green flowers. Cook the leaves like spinach.
Do not eat amaranth raw in large amounts and do not feed raw amaranth to your pet rats, birds, etc.
Do not eat Amaranth that has been grown in manure and chemically fertilized areas as it stores the nitrates these fertilizers contain in its leaves. Nitrates have been linked to stomach cancer.
MAGICKAL USES OF AMARANTH
Planetary Asscoiation: saturn
Gender: Feminine
Deity Association: Artemis and Demeter
Folklore: The name Amaranth comes from the word amaranton, which means “unwithering”, because the flowers maintain their shape and color when dried.
Amaranth was a staple in the diets of pre-Columbian Aztecs, who believed it had supernatural powers and incorporated it into their religious ceremonies. Before the Spanish conquest in 1519, amaranth was associated with human sacrifice and the Aztec women made a mixture of ground amaranth seed, honey or human blood then shaped this mixture into idols that were eaten ceremoniously. This practice appalled the conquistadors who reasoned that eliminating the amaranth would also eliminate the sacrifices. The grain was forbidden by the Spanish, and consequently fell into obscurity for hundreds of years.
Amaranth was a staple in the diets of pre-Columbian Aztecs, who believed it had supernatural powers and incorporated it into their religious ceremonies. Before the Spanish conquest in 1519, amaranth was associated with human sacrifice and the Aztec women made a mixture of ground amaranth seed, honey or human blood then shaped this mixture into idols that were eaten ceremoniously. This practice appalled the conquistadors who reasoned that eliminating the amaranth would also eliminate the sacrifices. The grain was forbidden by the Spanish, and consequently fell into obscurity for hundreds of years.
In the Cusco area the flowers are used to treat toothache and fevers and as a food colorant for maize and quinoa. During the carnival festival women dancers often use the red amaranth flower as rouge, painting their cheeks, then dancing while carrying bundles of amaranth on their backs as they would a baby.
In India amaranth is known as “rajeera” (the King’s grain) and is popped then used in confections called “laddoos,” which are similar to Mexican “alegria.”
In Ecuador, the flowers are boiled then the colored boiling water is added to “aquardeinte” rum to create a drink that “purifies the blood,” and is also reputed to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
In Ecuador, the flowers are boiled then the colored boiling water is added to “aquardeinte” rum to create a drink that “purifies the blood,” and is also reputed to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Magicakl Uses: Healing, Protection, Invisibility, Mends a Broken Heart. Amaranth has a long magical history. It was used in the ancient rituals of Central and South America as part of an offering. The Aztecs saw it as the most sacred grain, sacred even above corn. Zuni legends suggest that this plant was brought over from the otherworld. Wreaths made of Amaranth flowers are said to have healing properties. The plant is also said to aid in spirits the crossing to the otherworld.
A crown of amaranth flowers worn on the head speeds healing. To make sure that you are never struck by a bullet, pull up a whole amaranth plant (including roots) preferably on a Friday during the Full Moon. leave an offering to the plant and then fold it, roots and all, in a piece of white cloth. Wear this against your breast and you’ll be ‘bullet-proof.’
The dried amaranth flowers have been used to call forth the dead, and are also carried to 'cure the affections’, i.e. to mend a broken heart.
The dried amaranth flowers have been used to call forth the dead, and are also carried to 'cure the affections’, i.e. to mend a broken heart.
A wreath of amaranth worn confers invisibility. Amaranth is an excellent herb to use for the ritual cup. One may choose to seek the mysteries of immortality in order to move deeper into the Universe. Those who revere Artemis as the ideal of the Divine Feminine may find Amaranth to be a wonderful and useful herb. Used for healing, protection, and invisibility.
Eases the pain of emotional loss. Used by indigenous people in the making of ritual foods and drinks. The ash of amaranth has a very large salt peter content. Some species of amaranth are known as ~Pigweed.~ None of the species are poisonous and many are used as pot herbs.
Eases the pain of emotional loss. Used by indigenous people in the making of ritual foods and drinks. The ash of amaranth has a very large salt peter content. Some species of amaranth are known as ~Pigweed.~ None of the species are poisonous and many are used as pot herbs.
Amaranth in Magick Spells: Saturn spells: Amaranth (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Saturn matters (endings, exorcism, longevity, protection, purification, and vision). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses.
I am B E W I T CH ED
I am wandering the Inbetween place where love lies bleeding.. where velvet-red-ropes entangle me. I am Spellbound. Lost in the F o r e v e r of an Amaranthus Dream.
I am wandering the Inbetween place where love lies bleeding.. where velvet-red-ropes entangle me. I am Spellbound. Lost in the F o r e v e r of an Amaranthus Dream.
Tell-Tale Signs you are
A Guardian of Amaranthus
~Victoria Pettella~
1~You Love “Transformation Factor” in a plant
2~You are Wild at Heart, even Exotic in some way
3~You secretly write poetry
4~You know Vampires or are One yourself
5~You fancy the Victorian Era
6~You admire unobvious beauty, you appreciate the rare and even odd aspects of things.
7~You Love good stories and appreciate plants that have good storylines.
8~You are mysterious, you have a powerful sense of imagination
9~You have a Romantic and Creative nature
10~You yourself are a rare, unique soul and have a strong unstoppable inner spirit
11~You feel protective of unwanted things and make a special home for them to belong in always.
12~You are a child at heart and love the enchantment in all things
13~Most important: Even if you hate the color red , you somehow cannot help but be mesmerized by this gorgeous red dazzling creature and you must have it at all costs.
So now that you know…tell me the truth..do you love it or hate it? Are you one of the Guardians and Keepers of the rare and unwanted, the beautiful and exotic? I’d love to know either way. Don’t worry, I won’t be offended, for I am part-Amaranthus-Soul after all and nothing can break our kind. Nothing at all.
2~You are Wild at Heart, even Exotic in some way
3~You secretly write poetry
4~You know Vampires or are One yourself
5~You fancy the Victorian Era
6~You admire unobvious beauty, you appreciate the rare and even odd aspects of things.
7~You Love good stories and appreciate plants that have good storylines.
8~You are mysterious, you have a powerful sense of imagination
9~You have a Romantic and Creative nature
10~You yourself are a rare, unique soul and have a strong unstoppable inner spirit
11~You feel protective of unwanted things and make a special home for them to belong in always.
12~You are a child at heart and love the enchantment in all things
13~Most important: Even if you hate the color red , you somehow cannot help but be mesmerized by this gorgeous red dazzling creature and you must have it at all costs.
So now that you know…tell me the truth..do you love it or hate it? Are you one of the Guardians and Keepers of the rare and unwanted, the beautiful and exotic? I’d love to know either way. Don’t worry, I won’t be offended, for I am part-Amaranthus-Soul after all and nothing can break our kind. Nothing at all.
Necromancy potion:
You will need the following items for this spell:
Ingredients
Dittany ( handfull )
Amaranth flowers ( 7 )
½ - 1l of rainwater
Yew branch ( not too big )
fresh animal hart ( optional )
few drops of virgin bload
pinch of mugwort
shafroon, also pinch
smth conected to decased , atleast gravedirt from it’s tomb
Dittany ( handfull )
Amaranth flowers ( 7 )
½ - 1l of rainwater
Yew branch ( not too big )
fresh animal hart ( optional )
few drops of virgin bload
pinch of mugwort
shafroon, also pinch
smth conected to decased , atleast gravedirt from it’s tomb
Spell Casting
Mix all ingridients with rain water in cauldron, one Saturday , preferably on Waxing moon. Mix untill boil oftenly chanting:
“For the one who’s on other side
flesh and bload is what (it) lack(s)
let this potion be the guide
and for few minutes bring him/her back!”
When boiled pour onto grave, or persons favorite place, saying:
“Hear my voice, hear my call,
I call thee here with living all,
come to me I summon thee,
come to me I imply thee!
“For the one who’s on other side
flesh and bload is what (it) lack(s)
let this potion be the guide
and for few minutes bring him/her back!”
When boiled pour onto grave, or persons favorite place, saying:
“Hear my voice, hear my call,
I call thee here with living all,
come to me I summon thee,
come to me I imply thee!
All Elements Protection spell:
You will need the following items for this spell:
1 blue candle
1 red candle
1 green candle
1 white or grey candle
to make the spell stronger.
dragons blood
salt
or anyother protection herbs/stones
1 red candle
1 green candle
1 white or grey candle
to make the spell stronger.
dragons blood
salt
or anyother protection herbs/stones
cast your circle in a quiet & peaceful place.put the candles inside the circle in the following order/direction,north=green candle,east=white/grey candle,west=blue candle,south=red candle.If you have…put any herbs/stones for protection in the middle of the circle.light the candles from north & clockwise,when lighting them say *i invoke the element of earth to the north* & so on.BTW green=earth,white/grey=air,blue=water,red=fire.
when all the candles are ready then you can stand or sit in the middle or outside of the circle.relax & say *i invoke all the four elements by my side all that wish me harm shall not pass,so mote it be!
start off with north & say *earth protect me from north & around,block & crush thee threat*
*air protect me from the east & around,blow & send back all thee threat*
*fire protect me from the south & around,burn & banish all thee threat*
^water protect me from the west & all around,wash away & cleanse all thee threat*
thank the elements.
blessed be, amaranth
when all the candles are ready then you can stand or sit in the middle or outside of the circle.relax & say *i invoke all the four elements by my side all that wish me harm shall not pass,so mote it be!
start off with north & say *earth protect me from north & around,block & crush thee threat*
*air protect me from the east & around,blow & send back all thee threat*
*fire protect me from the south & around,burn & banish all thee threat*
^water protect me from the west & all around,wash away & cleanse all thee threat*
thank the elements.
blessed be, amaranth
http://www.tropicalpermaculture.com/amaranth-plant.html
Growing Amaranth As A Food Plant
Amaranthus Spp.
How To Grow Amaranth, Why, What To Do With It
Growing amaranth is possible all year round in the tropics. That's one of the reasons it is an essential and ubiquitous plant in my permaculture garden.
Here are some more good reasons to grow amaranth plants:
Photo by Dysviz
- It's a very nutritious leaf and grain.
- It makes yummy spinach.
- Amaranth leaves make nice salad greens. They are not as slimy as the other tropical leafy greens that are supposed to serve as lettuce substitutes in hot climates.
- Amaranth self seeds.
- Amaranth flowers can look spectacular (depends on the variety).
Photo by Dysviz
What Is Amaranth?
Most people I talk to have never heard of amaranth, yet amaranth is a leaf vegetable and grain that has been eaten for centuries all over the world.
Photo by Ilovemypit
Amaranth seeds have been used since ancient times in Central and Latin America and in the countries of the Himalayas. Amaranth leaves are used across Asia.
The green-leaved varieties are popular in India and other places, the Chinese prefer their amaranth red-leaved and amaranth grain once was a staple in the diets of pre-Columbian Aztecs.
Photo by Ilovemypit
Amaranth And Nutrition
Technically amaranth is a seed not a grain.
The amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) includes the previously separate family of the beets and spinaches, the Chenopodiaceae. Amaranth is not related to the Graminae, the real grains.
Compared to other grains amaranth seeds have a much higher content of the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron and of the amino acid Lysine. (Grains are usually low in that, corn has none. Most people get their Lysine from meat.)
Photo by Orphanjones
Amaranth seeds are also high in potassium, zinc, Vitamin B and E and can contain over 20% protein (depending on the variety).
You can find amaranth grain in health food stores in the form of amaranth flour and the popped seeds as amaranth cereal.
I never tried the flour (I don't cook or bake much, if at all). But I can tell you that amaranth cereal is delicious.
Amaranth leaves are nutitionally similar to beets, Swiss chard and spinach, but are much superior. For example amaranth leaves contain three times more calcium and three times more niacin (vitamin B3) than spinach leaves. (Or twenty times more calcium and seven times more iron than lettuce, which simply isn't all that nutritious...).
Amaranth is much closer genetically to its wild ancestors than our over developed and nutritionally depleted typical vegetables. Amaranth leaves are an excellent source of carotene, iron, calcium, protein, vitamin C and trace elements.
Local farmer's markets may offer bunches of amaranth greens, but those don't keep at all so you'd have to use them quickly. It's much easier to grow amaranth and cut it as needed.
Photo by Orphanjones
What Does Amaranth Look Like?
Photo by Photofarmer
Amaranth is an upright, moderately tall, broad leafed, annual plant. There is a number of different species of amaranth and a huge number of varieties within those species.
Amaranth comes in all sizes, shapes and colours. The leaves can be round or lance shaped, five to fifteen cm long or more, light green, dark green, reddish or variegated. Seeds maybe white, yellow, pink or black. Flowers can be huge tassles or tiny globes, red, pink, yellow or cream...
Amaranth is related to a common weed you probably know, pigweed. Or rather, the pigweeds (there are different kinds) are amaranth species. The weedy amaranth types are also edible and taste much like the cultivated varieties. They just don't grow as large and leafy, or produce as many grains, or look half as good in the garden.
Some cultivated amaranth varieties grow to two metres or six feet tall and individual plants that landed in a great spot with no competition may grow even taller.
Photo by Carl E Lewis
The flowers can be striking and they produce a huge number of tiny seeds. (Over 100,000!)
Do you know the flower Love Lies Bleeding? That's an amaranth species, Amaranthus caudatus, and yes, the leaves and seeds are edible and nutritious like any other amaranth.
You probably won't find leaf and grain amaranth seed in your local garden centre (you should find amaranth flowers), but online seed retailers who specialise in heirloom seeds, organic seeds, vegetable seeds or anything similarly sensible usually carry them.
Don't expect the cultivated leaf amaranth species to look as stunning as Love Lies Bleeding or some grain amaranths. The leaf amaranth flowers are usually much smaller, and creamy or greenish in colour. You grow those for food only, not for looks.
Photo by Photofarmer
Photo by Carl E Lewis
How To Grow Amaranth
Well, there really isn't much to it. Amaranth seed is very fine. If you grow leaf amaranth you want a large number of plants because you will likely harvest the whole plant while it is still young. There is no point starting it in punnets.
(Unless you only have a few seeds. Then you can start your first plants in pots or something. But do collect enough seeds for the next planting to save that step. See below.)
Thinly sprinkle the seed on the ground and rake it in.
Like all fast growing leafy greens amaranth loves rich soil with steady moisture and a good supply of nutrients, especially nitrogen. But it isn't as fussed as spinach or silverbeet would be. Amaranth is much hardier. It can cope with heat and dry conditions a lot better than any other leafy green. (One more good reason for this lazy gardener to grow it!)
If you are frustrated with trying to grow tasty, leafy greens in the tropic, amaranth is a plant you should start growing today.
Harvesting, Using And Cooking Amaranth
Photo by Steevo2005
Harvest leaf amaranth whenever you like. Ok, harvest it as early as you like and definitely before it flowers (you can eat the buds though).
The youngest leaves have a milder flavour and are good to use in salads, the mature leaves are better cooked like spinach. Anything you would use spinach for, just use amaranth leaves exactly the same way.
You can use the young stems as well. (Older stems would need peeling and I sure won't bother with that...)
I usually cut my amaranth when it is between one and two feet tall. I just cut the whole stem, maybe six to ten inches above the ground. The stem will reshoot and I may harvest that again (unless by then the bugs demolished it).
Photo by Post406
I always leave the two or three biggest, healthies amaranth plants in a bed alone and let them go to seed.
Once the flower head has mostly dried up I cut that and shake the seeds out into a paper bag. That gives me thousands of amaranth seeds for the next few plantings. Seeds also drop on the ground as the seed heads ripen and during harvesting.
After shaking out the seeds into the bag I crunch up the left over, dry seed head (which still contains seeds) and spread the remains over some other areas.
And if I'm about to move the mobile chicken pen I throw it in there for the chickens to spread.
As a result there is always amaranth growing here somewhere, even when I don't get around to planting it properly.
I grow three amaranth varieties. One ornamental variety, two metres tall with massive red flower heads, one leaf amaranth, and weed amaranth :-). And I eat all of them. I eat whatever is closest to the kitchen and ready.
Despite amaranth being one of the precious few grains that is actually feasible for home growing, I don't grow grain amaranth. I don't eat grains anyway, plus harvesting and cleaning enough grain to make it worthwhile sounds like a lot of work. I also can't see myself getting into making my own amaranth flour or popping the seeds for cereal etc.
I can't give you tips for harvesting and using the grain, but if you have any, please do share them! (Through the contact page.)
Thank you to Nancy and Rosita for doing just that:
Harvesting Amaranth Seeds
Photo by Steevo2005
Photo by Post406
Harvesting Amaranth Seeds
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