Amaranth: Brief Introduction and History

The personality of Amaranth, an essential ingredient in many of our Sharp Snacks, is one of versatility, beauty, and strength. Beloved for its diverse nutritional composition and strikingly colorful leaves, this ancient superfood has a profound global presence, with Mexico, Africa, Nepal, and India all enjoying its health benefits. The strength of Amaranth can be found in its difficult, yet resilient, history. Amaranth was cultivated and fiercely revered during the time of the Aztec Empire, about 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Enshrined in the Mesoamerican culture, Amaranth was used for food, rituals, and worship.

After the Spanish colonization, however, in an effort to force Christianity on the Aztecs, the grain was almost completely eradicated, although some crops were able to survive in remote areas. True to its tenacity, Amaranth reappeared, coming to America in the 1970’s, where it has quietly thrived.

Sources:

• Stetter, Markus G., et al. "Crossing Methods and Cultivation Conditions for Rapid Production of Segregating Populations in Three Grain Amaranth Species." Frontiers in Plant Science 7.816 (2016), doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.00816

  https://www.ancientgrains.com/amaranth-history-and-origin/

  https://www.thoughtco.com/amaranth-origin-169487