Popcorn lovers, get ready to meet your new favourite snack: popped amaranth! This ancient grain produces a delightful puff that's lighter and nuttier than popcorn, with a satisfying crunch.
What is Amaranth?
Amaranth is a versatile plant with a long history of cultivation. Its seeds, leaves, and even flowers can be used for food. The seeds, in particular, are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fibre, and iron. When popped, they create tiny, crunchy puffs that are perfect for snacking or adding to various dishes. These tiny seeds, when exposed to high heat, burst open to form a fluffy white puff, much like popcorn, but smaller. Popped amaranth has a more delicate texture and a unique, slightly nutty flavour.
Popping Amaranth at Home
Ready to give it a try? Popping amaranth is surprisingly easy. Here's what you'll need:
Amaranth seeds: While any edible variety of amaranth can be used, some varieties are better suited for popping than others. Look for amaranth specifically labelled for ‘grain’, or experiment with different types to find your favourite. Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus are the most common species used. Important: Use food-grade amaranth seed; seeds from our website are for planting only, but the seeds you harvest from those plants are perfect for popping! Alternately, most health food shops stock amaranth seeds ready for popping.
A heavy-bottomed pot: This will help distribute the heat evenly..
Instructions:
- Heat the pot: Use a medium-high heat. Oil should not be used.
- Test the heat: Add a few amaranth seeds to the pot. If they pop immediately, the pot is ready.
- Add the seeds: Pour in a thin layer of amaranth seeds. Do not cover with a lid as you want any moisture to escape.
- Shake it up: Gently shake the pot back and forth to prevent the seeds from burning.
- Watch for the pops: The amaranth will start popping rapidly. Once most have popped tip them into a bowl to cool.
TIPS:
- It can be hard to get the temperature right. Too hot and they’ll burn, not hot enough and they wont pop. Test in very small batches until you find the perfect temperature.
- For best results it’s best to pop in multiple small batches rather than all your seeds at once.
Creative Ways to Use Popped Amaranth
Popped amaranth is incredibly versatile. These tiny pops offer a delightful crunch and subtle flavour, making them perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Sweet treats: Drizzle with honey or agave nectar and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Savory snacks: Toss with olive oil, salt, and your favourite spices.
- Breakfast bowl: Add to yogurt or muesli with fresh fruit.
- Salad topper: Sprinkle over salads for added crunch and nutrition.
- Homemade muesli bars: Use popped amaranth as a binding agent and for extra texture.
Get Popping!
We encourage you to give popped amaranth a try! It's a fun and healthy snack that's sure to become a new favourite. Happy popping!
Browse Amaranth seeds for planting here. (Important: The seeds sold on this website are for planting only but the seeds you harvest from those plants are perfect for popping! Alternately, most health food shops stock amaranth seeds ready for popping.)
