Amaranthus tricolor


Amaranthus tricolor, known as edible amaranth, is a species in the genus Amaranthus.
The ornamental plant is known as bireum in Korea; tampala, tandaljo, or tandalja bhaji in India; callaloo in the Caribbean; and Joseph's coat after the Biblical figure Joseph, who is said to have worn a coat of many colors. Although it is native to South America, many varieties of amaranth can be found across the world in a myriad of different climates due to it being a C4 carbon fixation plant, which allows it to convert carbon dioxide into biomass at a more efficient rate than other plants. Cultivars have striking yellow, red, and green foliage.

''Amaranthus gangeticus''

Amaranthus gangeticus is considered a synonym of A. tricolor, but has been recognized as a separate species in the past. A. gangeticus is also known as elephant-head amaranth. It is an annual flowering plant with deep purple flowers. It can grow to tall. In Bangladesh, it has been used as a leafy vegetable. It may inhibit calcium retention in rice-based diets.

Culinary uses

The leaves and stems may be eaten as a salad vegetable. In Africa, it is usually cooked as a leafy vegetable. It is usually stir fried or steamed as a side dish in both China and Japan.

Korea

In Korea, the plant is referred to as bireum. Small-leaved, reddish-stalked chambireum is used as a namul vegetable in Korean cuisine. Considered a san-namul that grows abundantly in the countryside, it tends to be foraged rather than planted and harvested. It has an earthy and nutty flavor, and goes well with both gochujang- and soup soy sauce-based seasonings, and bori-bap.

In culture

It appears on the coat of arms of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where it is called "flowers gentle".