Growing Amaranth in Australia: Grain and Vegetable Uses

Two Types of AmaranthGrain amaranth (varieties including Plainsman, Golden, and Mercado) is grown primarily for the seed — tiny, cream-coloured grains that are extraordinarily nutritious (complete protein, rich in lysine) and cook in 15–20 minutes like a grain or porridge. Vegetable amaranth (Chinese spinach, callaloo) is grown for the leaves — large, colourful (red, green, or tricolour), and used as a high-heat spinach substitute. Both types are worth growing; varieties exist that serve b…