AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS

AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS  

[Slender amaranth/ Green amaranth]

Tam: Kuppai keerai/Sinna keerai, Kan:Ghilakeeresoppu,  Tel: Chilaka Totakoora, Hin: Jungli chaulai

Amaranthus viridis is a widely known green that enjoys widespread status as nutritive vegetable and appears to be used on a global scale.

The plant grows as annual herb with many branches and the leaf stalk is long.

In Africa the plant has both medicinal and spiritual value while in many parts it is a valued vegetable and in Ayurvedic system of medicine it is well known and is named ‘Tanduliya’ [Sanskrit]

The value of green amaranth is significant by 36-38% protein on dry weight basis and amino acid Lysine [an important component]

The plant is said to have excellent nourishing value for humans and in certain societies the plant is viewed ‘inferior’ as it grows anywhere and does not require care /attention being a common plant anywhere. But, it cannot certainly rob the plant of its value in nutrition and in medicine.

Green amaranth produces dense fruit clusters with seeds that can be removed by squeezing the fruit clusters between fingers. These seeds are added to snacks/ biscuits. By boiling the seeds in water a healthy porridge is made –a nutritive drink. A common plant [A.viridis] has so much to offer to human health.

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