Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Purple Amaranth
Nutritional Value
- Betacyanins: Powerful antioxidants responsible for the vibrant purple-red color.
- Iron: Contains 3x more iron than spinach - excellent for anemia prevention.
- Calcium: Rich plant-based calcium source for bone health.
- Protein: Complete protein with all essential amino acids.
Health Benefits
- ✔ Blood builder: High iron content helps combat anemia.
- ✔ Bone strength: Excellent calcium and magnesium content.
- ✔ Eye health: Rich in vitamin A and lutein.
- ✔ Digestive health: High fiber content promotes gut health.
- ✔ Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation throughout the body.
Tip: The darker the purple color, the more antioxidants it contains!
How to Grow Purple Amaranth
1
Choosing the Right Variety
- Types: 'Red Leaf', 'Purple Majesty', or traditional Chinese varieties.
- Climate: Thrives in warm weather (20-30°C) but tolerates various conditions.
2
Soil Preparation
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours daily minimum).
3
Planting
- Timing: After last frost when soil reaches 15°C.
- Spacing: 30-45cm apart for leaf production, wider for seed heads.
4
Maintenance
- Watering: Drought-tolerant but produces better with regular watering.
- Fertilization: Light feeding with balanced organic fertilizer.
- Pruning: Pinch back to encourage bushier growth.
5
Pest & Disease Management
- Common pests: Leaf miners, aphids, flea beetles.
- Solutions: Neem oil, companion planting with garlic or onions.
6
Harvesting
- Time: 30-45 days for young leaves, 90-120 days for mature plants.
- Method: Cut outer leaves or harvest whole young plants.
Note: Purple amaranth is heat-tolerant and grows well in summer when other greens bolt.
Summary: Choose variety → Prep soil → Plant → Maintain → Protect → Harvest!
Purple Amaranth Growing Tutorial
Learn expert techniques for growing vibrant purple amaranth in your garden.
Traditional Purple Amaranth Recipes
From stir-fries to soups—discover how this nutritious vegetable enhances Chinese cuisine.
Purple Amaranth Recipe Tutorials
Easy videos on how to prepare delicious purple amaranth dishes at home.