amaranth question

[noamnety]

Do all kinds of amaranth produce edible seeds and (when they are small) edible leaves? I'm wondering if I grew maroon elephant amaranth, could I eat the seeds from that, even if it's not a sort that's typically planted for that purpose.

[hippywife]

1. This article from

Seeds of Change mentions all the colors available but doesn't seem to differentiate as far as any of them not being good to eat.

http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_38/quinoa.asp?UID=

[noamnety]

2. Thanks.

I've got this covered two ways now.

I've got the elephant amaranth seeds, but also I bought a bit of amaranth grain in bulk from a natural foods store, and sprouted that. It was white grain, but when it sprouted it turned pink, so I'm hoping that's a sign it has red seed heads - seems fancier to me. I guess I'll put one in the front yard, one in the back, and see what happens.

[japple]

3. I grew some last year and didn't try to harvest anything for

food. I just admired their beauty. I've eaten amaranth graham crackers and other foods made with the grain, but don't know how to go about turning the plant into a usable product.