Amaranth is one of Mother Earth’s best kept secrets. But I predict it won’t be a secret for long. Given its amazing nutrients and how easy it is to cook with, I think amaranth will explode as the next healthy food trend. Since we include amaranth as a primary grain in our new Ancient Grain Pure Bars, I get a lot of questions about this elusive “ancient grain”. What is amaranth? And why is it so good for you?

Amaranth isn’t technically a grain but it behaves like one. Actually, it behaves better than most grains! One of the distinguishing characteristics of amaranth is that it has high levels of lysine, an amino acid which is lacking in most grains. Because it has lysine, it is a complete source of vegan protein, which is good news for vegetarians and vegans alike. It is also rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium and has tons of fiber. Oh, and it is GLUTEN FREE!

Like most grains, amaranth cooks up nicely in water. It uses a 3:1 water to grain ratio and takes about 20 minutes of simmering to soften. To me, amaranth is very similar to the cream of wheat my mom used to make us for breakfast as kids. It looks, tastes, and smells very similar to cream of wheat. Even the texture is similar. My favorite way to eat amaranth is as a porridge with almond milk, honey, cinnamon and fruit but it also blends well with savory ingredients like onions, garlic, curry, cumin, turmeric and countless vegetables. For recipe ideas see my tip below!

Amaranth recipe ideas

Pour into soups like you would rice or barley to add thickness and texture as well as protein. You may need to add more broth since amaranth soaks up a lot of water.

Make “Amaranth Tabouli” by cooking amaranth in water according to package instructions, and mixing cooked amaranth with chopped onions, tomatoes cucumbers and parsley. Season it with sea salt and drizzle with olive oil.

Toast amaranth in a pan over low heat until it pops like popcorn. Throw into salads or pasta for a great crunchy texture and added protein.

Create porridge with cooked amaranth, honey, apricots, cinnamon and almond milk.

Use amaranth flour in place of wheat flour to create gluten free recipes.

No space to garden? You’d be surprised what you can grow in a small area! Whether it’s gardening in a tiny corner of your yard or planting pots on a small porch, you can grow and reap an amazing harvest. It’s incredible the amount of money you can save by growing your own herbs and produce, not to mention the benefits your body will receive by eating fresh, healthy herbs, greens and fruits from your own garden!

In this week’s video, urban gardener Mike Lieberman teaches me about the easiest plants to grow in small spaces and how to get started with your own small garden. Read even more in his article here.

- Veronica

Tips to growing in small spaces

• Plant and care for an herb garden for her
• Use a natural pre-fertilized potting soil
• Start with leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale to build confidence
• Choose to grow the produce you will eat the most
• Try herbs because they are expensive to buy in the store but easy to grow
• Take sunlight and temperature into account when choosing the right plants
• Plants that are indigenous or grow naturally in your region are easier to grow

This is a question no one should ever ask their mom. You will never receive a good, honest answer, simply because of who moms are. Moms typically don’t want to cause anyone grief or extra work or make themselves seem too important. I know that I can’t speak for all moms, but my 15 years in this position has given me some great ideas for what moms really want for Mother’s Day, and every day.

Generally moms already have too much stuff. Unless we specifically ask for a tangible item like a purse, scarf or piece of jewelry, it’s probably not what we really want. It certainly is a nice gesture and we will be very grateful for it, but in the end it is another thing to keep track of, put away and more potential clutter in a house we are constantly picking up.

Most moms love plants and flowers, but if you are considering a plant for a gift, make sure it is an outdoor plant, and that it is beautiful and very easy to maintain. A big planter with colorful indigenous plants is a great choice. A beautiful vine like Morning Glory to creep along a fence and flower all summer is another wonderful choice. Feeling more energetic? A fun gift that would delight many moms is an herb garden planted just for her. To do this, dig a 1 foot by 5 foot section in a sunny corner of the lawn (or choose a planter that size) and plant basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro and dill in a row. Remember though, if you go the route of plants, you should also commit to care for them so you don’t add to mom’s work load.

The greatest gifts for all moms on Mother’s Day or any day are extra time and you. Anything that takes a load off of mom so that she can read a book or exercise or paint her nails or shower, all those things that get put on the back burner because of her love and nurturing of everyone else, is a wonderful gift. Making one on one time for your mom is even better. Take her out for a nice lunch or dinner. Get your nails done together; go for a long hike together or to the beach. It is probably (unless she tells you differently) exactly what she wants and needs every day, not just on Mother’s Day.

Perfect Mother’s Day and Every Day Gifts for Mom

• Plant and care for an herb garden for her
• Clean the house top to bottom
• Do all of the laundry
• Give her a massage
• Take her on a date, just you two

Are you a juicer? Juicing is one of the best ways to get unaltered, antioxidant filled, fresh produce into your body. The great news is that you don’t have to spend hundreds on a juicer to get started! You can use your blender for many ingredients and choose to drink your nutrients smoothie style or strain the pulp out of your drink with a strainer or cheese cloth for a smooth juice taste.

I am always looking for creative juice recipes and for ingredients that have medicinal value. One of my favorite places to grab a juice is Moon Juice in Venice, CA because owner Amanda Bacon has such valuable culinary knowledge of her ingredients. Watch now to learn about interesting and incredibly healthy ingredients to use in your juice or smoothie for amazing health benefits to your body!

- Veronica

Interesting Ingredients

Try some or all of these ingredients in your next juice or smoothie:

• Bee Pollen: Complete vegetarian protein
• Fennel: High in vitamin C, soothing to digestive tract, great to combat inflammation
• Basil: High in vitamin K, cardiovascular benefits, anti-inflammatory
• Yam: Cardiovascular benefits, menopausal benefits, blood sugar stabilizer
• Ginger: Soothing to digestive tract, anti-inflammatory, protection against certain cancers, immune support

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