Amaranthus tricolor L.

Flowering & Fruiting: Throughout the year

An erect, often stout herb up to 2.5m in height with long stalked leaves. It is generally red or bright pink in colour. The leaves are up to 6 inch long, ovate, oblong and are notched or rounded at the tips and decurrent at the base into petioles. The flowers are small clusters, whitish-green or red while the seeds are very small, black or red-brown

An erect, often stout, herb up to 5 ft, it is generally red or bright pink in colour. Leaves upto 6 inch.long, ovate, oblong, decurrent at the base into petiole. Flowers in small clusters, bracts present

Notes: Cultivated as ornamentals

Wastelands, culivable lands

Though it is cultivated but in many cases it is found as escape to grow with other vegetables.

Tender shoots and leaves are eaten cooked

Nutritional Value

Energy 23kcal; carbohydrate 3.63 gm; protein 2.86gm; total fat 0.39gm; dietary fibre 2.2 gm; vitamin C 28.1 mg; vitamin E 2.03 mg; niacin 0.72mg; sodium 79mg; potassium 558 mg; calcium 99 mg; copper 0.13mg; magnesium 79 mg; zinc 0.53 mg & small amount of beta-carotene, per 100gm

Leaves and shoots are ued as vegetable

Considered to have medicinal properties and are used against external inflammation and bladder distress. It is also reported to improve the kidney function and aid digestion. The roots of red spinach are used as a remedy for dysentery. It is highly recommended for consumption by patients with colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol