Grain Amaranth: Grain Amaranth
(Amaranthus cruentus, A. hypochondriacus)

Grain amaranths are annual plants and include several species of Amaranthus grown specifically for the seeds which are usually lighter colored than vegetable amaranth varieties. The cultivation of grain amaranths as food plants is traceable to ancient Aztec civilizations of Mexico. The grain amaranth species are highly variable; some experimentation with strains of available species may be necessary to find one suitable to a new area.

This grain amaranth is known as smooth pigweed and is classified as Amaranthus hybridus. It has black seeds rather than white seeds. We caution against growing this where it is not already found as it can become weedy.