Amaranthus albus Prostate pigweed (Amaranthaceae)

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Amaranthus albus
Prostate pigweed
(1 Page of 5)

The Amaranthus albus plant species is found in Southern N. America. Naturalized or casual in most of Europe[50]. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Prostate pigweed.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Amaranthus albus
Common Name:  Prostate pigweed
Family:  Amaranthaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  No members of this genus are known to be poisonous, but when grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Disturbed or waste ground[43].

Edible Uses: Leaves and young plant - cooked[177]. A mild flavour, it is rich in vitamins and minerals and is used as a spinach[K]. Seed - raw or cooked[257]. They can be ground into a flour and used to make bread[257]. Very small and fiddly, but the seed is very nutritious. The seed can be cooked whole, and becomes very gelatinous like this, but it is rather difficult to crush all of the small seeds in the mouth and thus some of the seed will pass right through the digestive system without being assimilated[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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