Micro Red Amaranth
Inventory, 4 oz : 1.00
This item was last sold on : 11/04/24
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Description/Taste
Micro Red Amaranth greens are very small in size, averaging 5-7 centimeters in length and have a central stem connected to 2-4 elliptic shaped leaves. The smooth leaves are a blend of deep burgundy mixed with dark green hues and are attached to a thin stem that is a vibrant fuschia. Micro Red Amaranth greens are crisp, tender, and have a mild and sweet, earthy flavor reminiscent of mustard but with much less spice and a delicate grassy finish.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Red Amaranth is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Red Amaranth are young, tiny, edible greens that are typically harvested within 14-25 days of sowing. These delicate greens are carefully grown in greenhouses with ample natural sunlight and good air circulation to produce healthy, robust plants. One of the lesser-known microgreens, Micro Red Amaranth is increasing in popularity in the culinary world for its vibrant and distinct fuschia hues, tender texture, and earthy flavor. It is most commonly used as a garnish and is added to dishes to enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall dining experience.
Nutritional Value
Micro Red Amaranth greens contain potassium, vitamins C, K, and E, zinc, manganese, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and copper.
Applications
Micro Red Amaranth greens are best suited for raw applications as their delicate nature cannot withstand high heat preparations. They have a mild, earthy flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes, and they are commonly used as a garnish. They can be piled over salmon or pasta, placed in sandwiches, served over quinoa, and mixed into green salads. Micro Red Amaranth greens are best left undressed and added only at the very final stage of finishing a dish. The delicate leaves will wilt if exposed to prolonged heat and cannot stand up to heavy dressings and sauces. Micro Red Amaranth pairs well with green apples, blood oranges, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and seafood. They will keep 5-7 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator. It is recommended to use these greens immediately for the best quality and flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The entire amaranth plant has been used for thousands of years in Central and South America, and today top chefs are using the small microgreen version to enhance the visual appeal of their culinary dishes. Micro Red Amaranth continues to be a popular microgreen because of its bright color and with the belief that consumers eat with their eyes before they eat with their stomach, Micro Red Amaranth adds contrasting and aesthetically pleasing colors to dishes to elevate the dining experience.
Geography/History
Amaranth is native to the Americas, specifically Peru where it was domesticated between 6,000-8,000 years ago. Micro Red Amaranth was then created in California between the 1980s and early 2000s as a part of the growing the microgreen trend in the United States. Today Micro Red Amaranth can be found through select distributors, specialty grocers, and online seed catalogs in the United States and Europe.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
Savory Moment (1) | El Cajon CA | 619-633-8863 |
Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
Slowly | San Diego CA | 858-352-6080 |
Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
Pendry SD (Pendry Banquets) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
The Taco Stand | San Diego CA | 619-549-9919 |
Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
Blue Whale | La Jolla CA | 808-868-8639 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Red Amaranth. One is easiest, three is harder.