Ah, amaranth! What a splendid choice for a day out on a Dutch farm. Forget merely buying your greens or flowers from a shelf; amaranth invites you into a world of vibrant color, earthy goodness, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful or delicious with your own two hands.

The Pure Delight of Picking Your Own Amaranth

Picture this: a sunny day, a gentle breeze rustling through fields, and the delightful prospect of wandering through rows of towering, crimson-plumed amaranth or the lush, green leaves of its edible varieties. In the Netherlands, an increasing number of farms offer the delightful experience of “zelfplukken” (self-picking), and amaranth is often a star!

Whether you go solo, enjoying the meditative quiet as you carefully select each stalk, or gather your friends and family for a lively outing, picking amaranth is an experience that nourishes the soul. Children especially love discovering the surprising textures and colors – the feathery plumes, the sturdy stems, the broad, often ruby-streaked leaves. It’s a chance to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh country air, and feel that wonderful sense of accomplishment as your basket fills with your very own, hand-picked bounty. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to know exactly where your food or flowers come from – straight from the soil to your home!

Bringing Amaranth Magic Home: Ways to Enjoy Your Harvest

Once you’ve returned, perhaps a little rosy-cheeked and with a contented smile, the fun continues! Amaranth is wonderfully versatile, offering both culinary delights and decorative charm.

If You Picked the Glorious Amaranth Flowers:

Those magnificent, cascading plumes of amaranth are practically begging to be admired!

Decoration Suggestions:

  • Statement Vases: Simply gather a generous bunch and place them in a tall, dramatic vase for an instant splash of color and architectural interest. Their long, arching forms are truly eye-catching.
  • Mixed Bouquets: Combine amaranth with other fresh-picked flowers from the farm – think sunflowers, cosmos, or dahlias – for a wild, vibrant, and utterly charming country-style bouquet.
  • Dried Arrangements: Amaranth dries beautifully! Hang bunches upside down in a cool, dark place for a few weeks, and then use the everlasting plumes to create stunning dried flower arrangements, wreaths, or even festive garlands for year-round charm.
  • Table Runners: Lay a few long stems of amaranth directly on your dining table as a natural, dramatic centerpiece for a rustic dinner party.

If You Picked the Nutrient-Rich Amaranth Greens:

Amaranth leaves are a true superfood, boasting a slightly earthy, spinach-like flavor with a touch more robustness. They’re fantastic in many dishes!

Cooking Recipes:

1. Speedy Amaranth Garlic Sauté

  • Ingredients:
    • 2-3 cups fresh amaranth leaves, thoroughly washed and stems removed (or finely chopped if young and tender)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
    • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
    2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
    3. Add the amaranth leaves to the pan. They will seem like a lot, but they will wilt down quickly, much like spinach.
    4. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the leaves are wilted and tender-crisp.
    5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
    6. Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish to grilled meats, fish, or alongside grains.

2. Hearty Amaranth & Potato Curry (Vegan)

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 cups fresh amaranth leaves, washed and chopped
    • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
    • 1 large onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
    • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
    • Salt to taste
    • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
    2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for another minute until fragrant.
    3. Stir in ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until aromatic.
    4. Add the diced potatoes and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to coat the potatoes with the spices.
    5. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
    6. Stir in the chopped amaranth leaves. They will wilt quickly. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, uncovered, until the amaranth is tender and thoroughly combined with the curry.
    7. Season with salt to taste.
    8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Additional Recipe for Tea (from Leaves):

Soothing Amaranth Leaf Infusion

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/4 cup fresh amaranth leaves, gently crushed
    • 1 cup hot water (just off the boil)
    • Honey or lemon slice (optional, for taste)
  • Instructions:
    1. Place the crushed amaranth leaves in a mug.
    2. Pour the hot water over the leaves.
    3. Let steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
    4. Strain out the leaves.
    5. Sweeten with honey or add a slice of lemon if desired. Enjoy this earthy, comforting brew!

And for a Splash of Sophistication: An Amaranth Cocktail!

The vibrant color of amaranth, whether from the leaves or the flowers, lends itself beautifully to creating a stunning cocktail. We’ll use an amaranth simple syrup to achieve this.

Amaranth Crimson Spritz

This refreshing spritz captures the beautiful color of amaranth and a subtle, earthy sweetness.

  • Ingredients for Amaranth Simple Syrup:

    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup packed fresh amaranth leaves (or a mix of leaves and flower petals for extra color)

  • Ingredients for Cocktail (per serving):

    • 2 oz Amaranth Simple Syrup (chilled)
    • 1.5 oz gin (or vodka for a lighter taste)
    • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
    • 3-4 oz sparkling water or prosecco
    • Lime wedge or a small amaranth flower/leaf for garnish

  • Instructions for Amaranth Simple Syrup:

    1. Combine water, sugar, and amaranth leaves/petals in a small saucepan.
    2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
    3. Reduce heat to low and let it steep for 10-15 minutes, allowing the color and flavor to infuse.
    4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
    5. Strain out the amaranth leaves/petals, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Discard solids.
    6. Store the vibrant crimson syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  • Instructions for Cocktail:

    1. Fill a glass (a wine glass or highball works well) with ice.
    2. Add the chilled amaranth simple syrup, gin, and fresh lime juice to the glass.
    3. Stir gently to combine.
    4. Top with sparkling water or prosecco.
    5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or a delicate amaranth flower/leaf.
    6. Sip and enjoy your beautiful, farm-fresh creation!

So, the next time you’re craving a little adventure and a whole lot of wholesome goodness, head to a Dutch farm for a delightful amaranth-picking escapade. Your senses – and your taste buds – will thank you!