Amaranth
Overview (Gluten Free)
Originally cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas, amaranth was a staple of pre-Columbian, Meso-American cuisine. Amaranth is actually considered a pseudo-cereal and is therefore not related to wheat or other true grains. Amaranth flour has attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to the fact it is gluten-free and high in protein. Besides its use in baked goods, amaranth flour can also be used to thicken sauces and soups.
Amaranth flour has a light tan color and is often described as having a nutty or grassy flavor which is more pronounced than other non-gluten grains. It is typically blended with other gluten-free flours (although it can be blended with flours containing gluten) due to it having a tendency to increase the browning of baked goods.
If you are interested in milling your own amaranth flour, be aware that the seeds are quite small and not all home flour mills are able to adequately grind them. The Lee Household Flour Mill will grind amaranth!
The Royal Lee Mill
Nutrition
Amaranth flour is high in the amino acids methionine and lysine, which help the body absorb calcium from the digestive tract.
Note: Weight of a cup (or partial cup) of flour varies depending upon whether it is lightly sprinkled into a measuring cup or compacted. Most recipe measurements are based on sifted flour as a way to arrive at more uniform measurement.
Gluten Content & Allergen Information
Amaranth is one of many gluten-free grains, although anyone with sensitivity to gluten or Celiac Disease should read the label on packaged amaranth flour to make sure it was not processed in a facility in which wheat gluten flour is also produced, as there may be cross-contamination.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 Cup |
| Calories | 716 |
| Total Fat 14g | 18% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 8mg | 1% |
| Carbohydrates 126g | 42% |
| Dietary Fiber 13g | 44% |
| Total Sugars 3g |
| Protein 26g |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 307mg | 24% |
| Iron 15mg | 84% |
| Potassium 0mg | 0% |
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Diet Compatibility
Paleo Diet
The Paleo Diet seeks to emulate the hunter-gatherer diet of our stone-age ancestors. The emphasis is on wild plants and meats similar to what ancient man would have consumed. As such, dairy products, refined sugar and processed oils are off limits. While many Paleo Diet followers also avoid grains, there is ample archaeological evidence to show that grains were part of Paleolithic era man’s diet.
Compatibility with Amaranth Flour:
Not Compatible
Mediterranean Diet
This diet seeks to emulate the diets of those living along the Mediterranean coast, with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood/fish at least twice a week, limited servings of poultry, and only occasional sweets and red meat.
Compatibility with Amaranth Flour:
Compatible
Gluten-Free Diet
As the name suggests, the gluten-free diet eliminates all foods with gluten. Although most of those on a gluten-free diet are on it out of necessity—either due to severe wheat allergies or Celiac disease—many have embraced a gluten-free diet as being healthier.
Compatibility with Amaranth Flour:
Compatible
Macrobiotic Diet
Although there are many versions of macrobiotic diets, the common thread is that they emphasize natural, whole foods, grown locally and organically. Whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, seeds and nuts, and occasional seafood are all integral to the diet. Red meats, dairy, poultry, eggs and processed foods are off the menu.
Compatibility with Amaranth Flour:
Compatible
Acid Alkaline Diet
This diet aims to restore the slightly alkaline state of the body, which is believed to be ideal. By focusing on a diet high in vegetables, fruits, sprouted grains, lentils, almonds and soy products, the goal is to have a balance of 80% alkalizing foods and 20% acid forming foods.
Compatibility with Amaranth Flour:
Compatible – Amaranth Flour is condiered to be Alkaline
Low-Carb Diet
As the name suggests, this diet focuses on reducing carbohydrates in the diet to lose weight. The theory is that by staying away from high-carb foods like pasta and bread and eating low carb, high fiber vegetables and fruits instead, your body will go into ketosis and you will lose weight. This diet is sometimes referred to as a ketogenic diet.
Compatibility with Amaranth Flour:
Compatible
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet is a historically popular low carb diet, instructing dieters not to worry about their calories but to monitor and minimize their intake of sugar and carbohydrates. According to Dr. Atkins, depriving the body of its primary energy sources causes the body to burn fat.
Compatibility with Amaranth Flour:
Compatible
“We love the mill! We use it every day for things from bread, to pastry and it is phenomenal. The biggest selling point for me was the fineness since that would mean we can really do some great pastry with it in addition to bread. It definitely has been great!"
BEN FROM NORTH CAROLINA