Amaranth seeds

Amaranth Seeds — Florida's Ancient Superfood, Grown Organically

Approximately 30 seeds per packet, harvested from organically grown amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) right here in Florida. Amaranth is one of the oldest cultivated plants on earth — a sacred crop of the Aztecs, who called it huauhtli and considered it essential to life itself. It's easy to see why: amaranth is strikingly beautiful, incredibly nutritious, and one of the most productive and resilient plants you can grow in a Florida garden. Both the seeds and the leaves are edible, making this a true whole-plant food crop.

Nutritional Powerhouse

Amaranth has earned its superfood status — here's what makes it exceptional:

• Complete plant protein: Unlike most plant foods, amaranth contains all nine essential amino acids, including lysine — an amino acid rarely found in grains. It's one of the few plant-based complete proteins.
• Protein-rich seeds: Amaranth seeds contain approximately 13–14% protein by weight — significantly more than wheat, rice, or corn.
• Rich in minerals: An excellent source of iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese — minerals that are often lacking in modern diets.
• High in fiber: Supports healthy digestion and sustained energy levels.
• Naturally gluten-free: A safe and nutritious grain alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Antioxidant-rich leaves: The vibrant green and red leaves are rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene.
• Cholesterol-lowering: Studies suggest amaranth may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Culinary Uses

Every part of the amaranth plant is edible and delicious:

• Cooked seeds (like quinoa): Simmer 1 cup seeds in 2.5 cups water for 20 minutes. Fluffy, nutty, and satisfying — use as a base for grain bowls, porridge, or as a side dish.
• Popped amaranth: Heat a dry skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of seeds at a time. They pop like tiny popcorn in seconds! Use as a crunchy topping for yogurt, salads, or energy bars.
• Amaranth flour: Grind dried seeds into a nutty, gluten-free flour for breads, pancakes, tortillas, and baked goods. Best blended with other flours for structure.
• Amaranth porridge: Cook seeds with milk or plant-based milk, sweeten with honey, and top with fruit for a nutrient-dense breakfast.
• Young leaves (raw): Tender young leaves have a mild, slightly earthy flavor — delicious in salads, wraps, or as a spinach substitute.
• Cooked leaves: Sauté mature leaves with garlic and olive oil, add to soups and stews, or use in any recipe calling for cooked greens. A staple in West African, Caribbean, and South Asian cuisines.

Growing Tips for Florida Gardeners

• When to plant: In Florida, amaranth can be planted spring through early fall. It thrives in warm weather and is perfectly suited to our climate.
• Sun: Full sun — at least 6 hours per day. More sun means more vigorous growth and better seed production.
• Sowing seeds: Direct sow seeds on the soil surface or barely cover with 1/8 inch of soil. Seeds need light to germinate. Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart once they reach 3–4 inches tall.
• Germination: Seeds germinate quickly in Florida's warm soil — typically within 5–10 days.
• Water: Water regularly until established, then reduce — amaranth is remarkably drought-tolerant once it has a few weeks of growth. Overwatering can cause root rot.
• Soil: Adaptable to most Florida soils, including sandy soils. Tolerates poor soil better than most crops, though compost-amended soil produces the best yields.
• Fertilizer: Light applications of balanced organic fertilizer at planting and mid-season support lush growth. Avoid excess nitrogen if you're growing primarily for seeds.
• Harvest leaves: Begin harvesting young leaves when plants are 6–8 inches tall. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth.
• Harvest seeds: Seed heads are ready when they begin to dry and the seeds release easily when rubbed. Cut the entire seed head, place in a paper bag, and hang to dry for 1–2 weeks. Then thresh by rubbing the seed heads between your hands over a bowl.
• Pollinators: The colorful, showy flower heads attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects — a beautiful and functional addition to any garden.
• Self-seeding: Amaranth self-seeds prolifically — once established, it will often return year after year in Florida's mild climate.

Organically grown in Florida 🌿 | Approx. 300 seeds per packet