Amaranths for balanced nutrition

The amaranth is often called a pseudocereal, and its grain has characteristics similar to those of the cereal grains. With protein levels of between 13-19%, amaranth is among the highest protein grains in the world. It has high levels of Iysine, a vital amino acid which is usually lacking in other grains like maize and rice, and the seed contains 1,5-3 times more oil than other grains. But seed is not the only nutritious product from amaranth: the leaves are also rich in proteins vitamins and minerals. Six of the 50 amaranth or more species are used as vegetables, mainly in the hot, humid regions of Africa (especially Nigeria and Benin), Southeast Asia (especially Malaysia and Indonesia), southern China southern India and the Caribbean. In Southeast Asia, its economic value as a popular vegetable crop ranks among the ten highest. It is probably the highest yielding leaf vegetable of the tropics. In Nigeria a considerable amount of research is being undertaken at the National Horticultural Research Institute This covers a broad area, in eluding the maintenance of germplasm collection varietal screening and the development of improved varieties. Result' show that vegetable amaranth in particuIar Amaranthus cruentus, offers great score i' crop rotation systems. Under adequate management, it can be harvested in about 6-7 weeks This enables farmers to obtain two or more harvests before the other crops mature. Unlike most vegetables, it exhibits consider able resistance to nematodes. Dr O A Denton NIHORT PMB 5432 Idi-lshin Ibadan NIGERIAThe amaranth is often called a pseudocereal, and its grain has characteristics similar to those of the cereal grains. With protein levels of between 13-19%, amaranth is among the highest protein grains in the world. It has high levels of Iysine,..