Amaranth flowers plant field in south Po


(Amaranthus)  Was domesticated by the indigenous people of present day North and South America around 5,000 BC. Prior to this, it was commonly consumed by migratory tribes. It was well prominent within the Aztec culture  where prior to Spanish contact, it produced over 80% of the energy consumed by the people. These people call it huāuhtli, which roughly translates to "hair, head" due to the shape of its flowers. Some amaranth species are cultivated as leaf vegetables, pseudocereals, and ornamental plants. Historically and still today, especially in part of Mexico, amaranth is still consumed often as a treat mixed with honey or popped like popcorn. Festivals which date back to the indigenous people of the area call for depiction of  Huitzilopochtli. to be made entirely out of amaranth, which is then broken into pieces and consumed by the people.


1327 Indian Woods Road Windsor,NC 27983


Mailing Address


© 1491-2020 Alliance of Native SeedKeepers