Amaranthus retroflexus Pigweed (Amaranthaceae)

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Amaranthus retroflexus
Pigweed
(1 Page of 5)

The Amaranthus retroflexus plant species is found in Tropical America. A casual in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Pigweed.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Amaranthus retroflexus
Common Name:  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:  0.9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  A casual of cultivated land and waste places in Britain[17].

Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked as a spinach[2, 5, 62, 85, 159]. A mild flavour, it is often mixed with stronger flavoured leaves[183]. Very rich in iron, it is also a good source of vitamins A and C[201]. Seed - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61, 85]. Ground into a powder and used as a cereal substitute[5], it can also be sprouted and added to salads. The seed is very small but easy to harvest and very nutritious. The flavour is greatly improved by roasting the seed before grinding it[183]. It is often added to maize meal[183]. 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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