Sometimes called Chinese spinach, this green is a colorful addition to the garden, ranging from a light yellow green to a dark green and red color. Delicious lightly stir-fried or steamed, Amaranth leaves and stems are extremely nutritious delivering protein, iron and calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. Chinese cuisine typically prefers the red-leaf varieties and includes them in soups, sometimes serving the cooked leaves separately. In India, Taiwan and Japan, the lighter varieties are more popular. In Western cuisine, Amaranth can be substituted in any recipe for spinach. Young leaves are tasty and beautiful in salads.

summer spinach alternatives during the hottest parts of summer.

Callaloo is a popular Caribbean dish made from different leafy plants depending on local custom. In Jamaica and in Guyana the preferred leaf is from the amaranth. The association between the dish and amaranth is so strong that the plant itself is often called “callaloo”. The young leaves are sweet and slightly tangy to the taste and are used like spinach in soups, salads and in meat and fish dishes. Very easy to grow. 

JAMAICAN CALLALOO Also known as Amaranthus cruentus or "edible leaf amaranth," callaloo grows as an annual in the U.S. and is harvested for its leaves and seeds. callaloo is grown extensively in the West Indies, and is popularly used in soups and stews. High in iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A and C, as well as protein The Jamaican callaloo is a dark green leaf vegetable that is native to South America.