Harvesting Amaranth: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Amaranth is a versatile plant with edible greens and seeds. It’s easy to grow and can add beauty to your landscape. This guide will teach you when and how to harvest amaranth for optimal results.
When to Harvest Amaranth
- Greens: You can start harvesting amaranth greens almost immediately. Young greens are perfect for salads, while older greens are better cooked like spinach.
- Seeds: Amaranth seeds ripen about three months after planting, usually in mid- to late summer. They are ready to harvest when they begin to fall from the flower head (tassel).
How to Harvest Amaranth
There are several methods for harvesting amaranth:
- Cut and Dry Method: Cut the entire plant and hang it upside down to dry. Once the seeds are dry, separate them from the chaff.
- Tassel Harvest Method: Cut the tassel from the plant on a dry day after a hard frost. By this time, the seeds will be dry.
- Hand Rubbing Method: Once the seeds begin to readily fall from the tassels, hold the seed heads in your hands and rub them over a bucket to catch the seed.
Removing Chaff from Seeds
Once you have harvested the seeds, you need to remove the chaff. Here are two methods:
- Sieving Method: Stack sieves of different sizes from smallest on the bottom to the largest at the top. Shake the seeds and chaff through the sieves to separate them.
- Ramp Method (Blow and Fly Method): Set a cookie sheet flat on the ground and create an angled ramp using a cutting board. Pour the seed onto the cookie sheet and blow towards the ramp. Seeds will roll up the ramp and back down, while the chaff will blow away.
Drying and Storing Amaranth
After harvesting, amaranth needs to be completely dried to prevent mold. You can dry it on trays in the sun or near an indoor heating source. Once dry, store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry area for up to 6 months.
Different Types of Amaranth
There are over 60 species of amaranth, but the most commonly grown types are:
- Prince’s Feather (A. hypochondriacus): Ornamental variety with showy red flower heads.
- Purple Amaranth (A. cruentus): Grain variety with pale pink seeds.
- Tampala (A. tricolor): Leafy variety grown primarily for its greens.
Benefits of Harvesting Amaranth
- Amaranth greens are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and fiber.
- Amaranth seeds are a complete protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids.
- Amaranth is gluten-free and easy to digest.
- Harvesting amaranth helps to control its spread as a weed.
Troubleshooting
- Birds getting to the seeds: Harvest early in the morning or cover the seed heads with netting.
- Seeds not falling easily: Give the tassel a gentle shake to loosen the seeds.
- Moldy seeds: Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storing them.
Conclusion
Harvesting amaranth is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the nutritional and aesthetic benefits of this versatile plant. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
