Amaranth: The Sacred Grain That Refused to Die 🌾

Join me on an incredible journey through history as we uncover the story of amaranth: the sacred grain that refused to die! 🌾 From its ancient origins in South and Central America to its revered role in Aztec rituals and its dramatic suppression by conquistadors, amaranth's resilience is nothing short of inspiring. I’ll share how this fascinating plant survived near extinction to become a modern superfood packed with nutrition and potential.

Discover how early farmers cultivated this grain, how it was used to create sacred effigies, and how its vibrant colors and nutritional benefits are making a comeback today. You'll hear my personal take on its incredible transformation—from a symbol of life and fertility to a lost treasure rediscovered. Plus, learn why amaranth could play a role in improving global food security.

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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
00:39 - Amaranth’s Origins and History
03:48 - Amaranth in the Aztec Empire
05:47 - Spanish Suppression of Amaranth
08:38 - Amaranth’s Resurgence and Revival
11:12 - The Future of Amaranth
11:57 - Significance of Amaranth

Credits:
Background music courtesy of AudioHero
Stock footage/photography courtesy of Depositphotos, ING image
Stock video courtesy of Envato Elements

[MikeBalkansky]

In Eastern Serbia we eat this plant! It’s absolutely delicious and healthy too! 😘👌

[gardenswithsoul]

I just harvested amaranth seeds from my native meadow in the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico. Amazing to understand the significance of this sacred grain, I feel honored to steward and expand its presence here!

[loumata]

The first time I sow the picture in a grains shop, I feld in love of the beauty of the elephant trunk amaranth. After I read that’s she got a strong character, because a farmer who has sprayed to mush round up, had killed his soils. He left that soil whit the amaranth, the only one plant who didn’t die because she sprayed herself. After a while he decided to retire the plant. Surprised, he found a grinding soil. So easy for cultivates her. I love the middle finger she point on Monsanto.

[gotkittys]

Where it came from is easy, it grows wild in most of the Americas. It's a native plant. The domesticated varieties freely crossbreed with wild types.

[JW-ogbj]

I see it here in Virginia from time to time- some farmers will use it in their crop rotations. A huge field packed with thousands of these exotic looking plants is a sight to see. Thanks for the education!

[jacobb]

Wow what a great overview of such a sacred plant. Thank you 🙏🏽

[janvanaardt]

Grows wild in South Africa the leaves are nice kooked with tomatoes, onions and potatoes

[DavidFiorillo-mo]

I am delighted to have discovered your channel! I am going to seek out amaranth and create some recipes. I can’t wait to tell guests that they’re eating love lies bleeding.! I’m looking forward to seeing much more from your channel. Thank you.

[mixwitch]

What a wonderful informative video, and right on time. I am growing several types of amaranth this year as food for the household and flock. I appreciate learning more about its history and will be thinking on the sacred resistance it can represent as I work with it in the future.

[bigdogbob]

I have been growing Red Amaranth in my gardens here in SoCal for years. I enjoy eating the colorful leaves in salads, steamed like spinach, or stir fried in the wok. I have never grow enough to have a large amount of seeds all at once, but I do know that they are very good for you as well.

[Beherenow-pe]

This was an excellent description of Amaranth & it's history. One of my favorite plants. Easy, beautiful & nutritious. What more could you wish for. Thanks my amaranth friend ❤

[batya]

First-time viewer. Nice presentation bringing history and agricultural Science together.

[Teatree-B]

Thank you for covering food plants from non- western countries, there is much of value and nutrition out there😊

[wandak]

i pop the seeds in a dry pan. the volume doubles or triples, and then i use it in place of bread crumbs and for breading on fish and chicken.

[sandiepaul]

"Building a relationship with amaranth?" Man, that's a closer relationship that I usually get into with my garden. ❤😊❤

[jvin]

A stand of Red Amaranth can be grown in a common yard landscape and nosy HOA neighbors won't bat an eye at it like they would if you grew corn or wheat. It looks ornamental. You do need to figure out the best threshing and seed separation method.

[MJ_Dolman]

Thank you for sharing this fascinating history. Every plant we eat has a story and Amaranth's is much more dramatic then I would have guessed. How absurd that the Catholic Spaniards thought eating the effigy of a god like bread was idolatry! Only if the conquered indigenous people were doing it, of course.

[johnliberty]

Amaranth will only be a staple grain if you invest in farming it. I myself don’t care to I would rather just homestead it if I get my hands on a decent variety for grain production. It’s a great high protein grain. So far I just find varieties good for eating as greens. Those varieties will self seed so it’s free food as far as I am concerned.

[woodswitch]

Another good vidio on plant history.These vidios are always informative, and interesting. Keep- up- the good work.

[gonelooney]

just looked at some pictures of various types of Amaranth and not many look like the long dangling flowers I've been getting from that field, I'm hoping that it's just spindlier and smaller because it spread from original garden and has been growing in less than ideal soil than the kitchen garden would have had. I'll have to wait until it blooms and I can send you some good pictures : ) I'm in Southern Ontario BTW, so not growing in a tropical climate could also account for differences.