Amaranthus cruentus is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is an erect annual herb that can grow up to 2 meters (6 feet) in height and blooms in summer to fall. The plant has several common names, including blood amaranth, red amaranth, purple amaranth, prince’s feather, and Mexican grain amaranth. The leaves of Amaranthus cruentus are simple and hairy, while the flowers are dark pink and arranged in clusters. The seeds of this plant are eaten as a cereal grain and are ground into flour, popped like popcorn, cooked into a porridge, or made into a confectionery called alegría. The leaves can be cooked like spinach, and the seeds can be germinated into nutritious sprouts.
Amaranthus cruentus is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 6 feet (2 meters) in height and blooms in summer to fall. Here are some step-by-step instructions to care for Amaranthus cruentus: