ORGANIC AMARANTH 5 Kg

The Amaranth proposed by Oltresole is Biologic certified: an atypical cereal also called "false cereal" because technically these grains are not real cereals but the seeds contained in the flower of the amaranth plant. From ancient origins, amaranth was used above all by the Aztecs and was considered the grain of the gods. Composed of small and round beans, its color is light beige-cream. Today it is highly appreciated especially by celiacs for its naturally gluten-free nature but also by those who adhere to vegetarian and vegan diets because it is an important resource for the richness of plant-based proteins. It consists mainly of fiber and then contains mineral salts calcium iron phosphorus and magnesium vitamin C vitamin A and vitamins of group B. In addition to having a high protein content. In Central America, where this food has an ancient tradition, it is used above all in the preparation of snack desserts or to obtain amaranth popcorn as with corn or to be blown. In the West, however, the most usual combination is with vegetables and legumes. It can be used instead of couscous and seasoned with spices in particular with turmeric, cinnamon and ginger. The combination with aromatic herbs such as basil, marjoram and mint is also excellent. PAIRING: Extremely versatile, amaranth is used to prepare tasty soups, finger food and desserts. Combined with flour it can be used to make fresh pasta. It can also be puffed and become an ingredient to be added to milk for breakfast. It can also become a filling for stuffing vegetables or for making meat rolls. First of all, the amaranth must be washed under running water. Then it should be boiled in water equal to three times the amount of amaranth for 30-40 minutes. After cooking, let it rest for 10 minutes without stirring in the covered pot. To have an optimal yield of this vegetable the best thing to do is to combine it with a cereal such as rice or millet. In Mexico, amaranth is used a lot, so much so that one of the most loved sweets in this land is based on this ingredient and is called the joy dulce. WELLNESS AND HEALTH: It is a "friendly" cereal for those who want to avoid or limit fattening. Much more than wheat, even whole wheat reduces the possible insulin peaks that derive from its intake having a lower Glycemic Index thanks to the greater protein presence and the higher content of indigestible fiber. Being based on insoluble fibers (cellulose hemicellulose lignin) which increase fecal mass by accelerating intestinal transit, amaranth helps fight constipation. Amaranth is also naturally gluten-free. FUN FACT: amaranth was exploited for food by the Aztecs and the Incas who considered it sacred the etymology of its name and the meaning of the plant is that it does not wither and that is why it carries within itself the meaning of friendship, eternal esteem feelings eternal that are not affected by time. The Romans attributed to Amaranth the power to ward off envy and misfortune. After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in Mexico at the beginning of 1500, amaranth had almost disappeared in America only to be rediscovered around 1970. In the meantime, amaranth had spread all over the world, especially instead of wheat in Africa India and Nepal. In the period '600-'800 amaranth was used to decorate clothes and dresses as it was thought to be able to give physical well-being. From the 1960s it became fashionable to cultivate it in the United States and subsequently it also spread to Europe as an ornamental plant. In Greek mythology it is said that the goddesses loved to be celebrated with garlands of amaranth; in this context it was therefore used to obtain protection and benevolence. Today the name "amaranth" also identifies a color a shade of bright red that was extracted from the ears and leaves of the plant for ritual uses when it was necessary to simulate the blood of the sacrificial victim.