by Marsha Laux, content specialist, AgMRC, Iowa State University, mlaux@iastate.edu.
Revised January 2008 by Diane Huntrods, AgMRC, Iowa State University.
Overview
Amaranth (a mah ran th) is a versatile, drought- and weed-resistant crop, making it attractive to grow in many regions of the United States. However, it is currently grown on only a few thousand acres. Amaranth was first used as a grain crop over 6,000 years ago in Central America and is gaining favor today among health-conscious consumers. Because it is gluten-free, amaranth is also popular with consumers who have wheat and gluten allergies. This grain is high in lysine, well balanced in other amino acids, has a protein content of around 14 to 16 percent and is high in fiber.
Value-added Products
Amaranth is used almost exclusively for seed production in the United States, but in other countries, amaranth leaves are used for human consumption by either boiling or eating them as greens. The amaranth plant usually grows to around five or six feet and is maroon or crimson in color. The seeds of the plant number in the thousands and are tiny. Amaranth seeds are processed into popped, flaked, extruded and ground flour forms. They are used in snacks and cereals, and in combination with other grains and flours in baking. Amaranth can also be used for ornamental or limited forage purposes.
Marketing
According to the Nebraska Extension Service, markets for amaranth are limited, and current demand for amaranth products can be met with approximately 3,000 acres annually. The largest amaranth grain consumer is the health food industry, where organic and transitional production carry a market premium.
The Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute provides production and marketing information indicating that seed yields are about 1,000 pounds per acre, conventional amaranth seed sells for $0.40 per pound and organic sells for around $0.65 per pound. While there are extra costs associated with seed cleaning, production costs are comparable to sorghum and soybeans. Major costs are associated with transportation, because there are only three major buyers in the United States: Arrowhead Mills (Texas), Health Valley (California), and Nu-World Foods (Chicago, Illinois). Some growers also market directly to consumers or to local bakeries.