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PLANT PROFILE LIST
NAME: Spiny Amaranth
SPECIES / FAMILY: Amaranthus Spinosus / Amaranthaceae
COMMON NAME(S): spiny amaranth, spiny pigweed, prickly amaranth or thorny amaranth
NATIVE OR NON-NATIVE: native
CONDITIONS: sun, lawns, farm fields, urban areas
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PARTS: |
EDIBLE |
TASTE |
RAW/COOK |
SEASON |
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All |
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Shoots |
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Leaves |
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like spinach |
COOK |
Summer/Fall |
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Buds/Flowers |
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Fruits |
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Roots |
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Seeds |
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COOK |
Summer/Fall |
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Nuts |
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Pods |
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Stalk |
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Bark |
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COMMENT: Amaranth - Superfood of the Aztecs, superweed to Big Ag. Many species. Spiny Amaranth looks like Mat Amaranth, spreads out horizontally, but also has thorns, which may be a ! Delicious cooked leaves. Tastes like spinach. Place leaves in boiling water and remove from stove for 20 minutes leaving the lid off. Should be thoroughly cooked, but retain green color. Seeds can be eaten roasted, or ground into flour.
CAUTION: Always go slow with any plant in case you are allergic or sensitive to it. // Avoid eating spines and leaf stalk. Although PFAF says that the stalk is edible, the stalk may contain too much fiber for smooth digestion and can result in hard bulky stools. Also, Amaranth contains oxalic acid, to minimize, boil with lid off.
NUTRITION/MEDICINAL: Grains supply protein, calories, and minerals. Leaves vitamins A & C along with minerals calcium, iron, and phosphorous, and also fiber. (Foraging Texas) Antidote; Astringent; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Emollient; Febrifuge; VD. (1)
LOOK-A-LIKES:
POISONOUS LOOK-A-LIKES:
OTHER USES:
SOURCE LINKS (includes medicinal info and other uses):
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Amaranthus+spinosus
- http://www.eattheweeds.com/?s=Amaranthus+Blitoides+
- http://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/08/amarath_20.html (GOOD PHOTOS)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranthus_spinosus
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth - many Amaranth species