Amaranth

Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) contains the smallest edible grains in the world. These grains are rounded and slightly flattened, measuring 1 to 1.5 mm in diameter, and have different colors according to the variety to which they belong. Amaranth grain contains 13 to 18% of protein and essential amino acids in its endosperm, unlike other cereals that contain this amino acids in its shell. The main essential amino acids contained in the Amaranth grain are: Arginine, Lysine, Isoleucine, Leusine, Threonine, Valine, Phenylalanine, Histidine and Tryptophan. This small grain also concentrate large proportions of minerals, reason why nutritionist have compared it with milk. Amaranth is also known as the “small giant” ideal for human diet.