What are the common varieties and nutritional value of amaranth?
Amaranth used to be commonly seen along roadsides in rural fields, but today amaranth is an all-purpose vegetable on the market, and it is very tasty when used for making dumplings and the like. The reason amaranth is so widely loved is not only its smooth, fresh and savory taste, but also because of its rich nutritional value; it has long been known as the "longevity vegetable." So what common varieties of amaranth are there? What exactly is its nutritional value? Let's take a look together.
What common varieties of amaranth are there?
1. Green rice amaranth
Green rice amaranth belongs to the green amaranth group and is a typical Shanghai amaranth variety. Its advantages are vigorous growth and strong branching; when sowing, it can simply be broadcast directly. In terms of taste, green rice amaranth is relatively tender, and its flesh is fairly thick. Most importantly, its yield is very high, reaching about 1800 kg per mu.
2. Willow-leaf amaranth
Willow-leaf amaranth is a Guangzhou variety, characterized by lance-shaped leaves with slightly curled edges, pointed leaf tips, and white leaf stalks; unlike green rice amaranth, which is entirely green. It is both heat-tolerant and cold-tolerant, and besides open-field cultivation it is very suitable for protected cultivation.
3. Pointed-leaf red rice amaranth
Pointed-leaf red rice amaranth belongs to the colorful amaranth series and is a unique variety of Changhai. Its leaves are relatively long and pointed, and appear as elongated ovals. Its main feature is that the leaf veins are purplish-red, while the leaf edges are green. In addition, pointed-leaf red rice amaranth is generally an early-maturing variety, and it is neither drought-tolerant nor heat-tolerant.
4. Round-leaf red amaranth
Round-leaf red amaranth, like green rice amaranth, has a vigorous growth rate. Its advantages are thicker stems, good branching ability, and moisture tolerance, so it can be planted in relatively moist soil. Its feature is that the green part of the leaf edge is relatively large, while the purplish-red color is near the leaf stalk.
5. Large round red amaranth
Large round red amaranth leaves are not very wrinkled; their feature is a bright red color and no old fibers, so the eating texture is relatively soft. It can generally be cultivated in summer and autumn, and its growth time is extremely short; after sowing in summer, it can be harvested in 20 days. In addition, its high-yield performance is also very good, at about 4000 kg per mu.
The nutritional value of amaranth
1. Balanced nutrition, promotes bone growth: the protein, fat, and lysine content of amaranth are all higher than those of ordinary vegetables, and it is rich in minerals and multiple vitamins. It has a good effect on promoting the growth and development of children's teeth and bones, and can also play a certain recovery role for fracture patients.
2. Strengthens the constitution, promotes blood coagulation and blood production: amaranth contains abundant iron, which can synthesize hemoglobin in red blood cells; amaranth also contains calcium, vitamin K, and other substances, which are of great benefit in treating anemia.
3. Clears heat and detoxifies, suitable for eating while losing weight: amaranth is cool in nature and sweet in taste, with the characteristics of clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting urination and reducing swelling. In addition, amaranth contains abundant dietary fiber, which can help the human body digest food and promote gastrointestinal motility; for people pursuing weight loss, amaranth is a good weight-loss food.
The above is an introduction to amaranth varieties and nutritional value and related content. Do you feel you have gained a new understanding of the amaranth you usually eat? In addition, green rice amaranth, willow-leaf amaranth, pointed-leaf red rice amaranth, and others are all common amaranth varieties. Friends who want to grow amaranth can also reasonably choose amaranth varieties according to their own planting area and needs.
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