Amaranthus tricolor, known as edible amaranth,[3] is a species of flowering plant in the genus Amaranthus, part of the family Amaranthaceae.
The plant is often cultivated for ornamental and culinary purposes. It is known as bireum in Korea;[3]tampala, tandaljo, or tandalja bhaji in India;[4]callaloo in the Caribbean; and Joseph's coat in other areas, in reference to the Biblical story of Joseph and the coat of many colors. Although it is native to South and South-East Asia, A. tricolor is one of several species of amaranth cultivated in warm regions across the world.[citation needed] Cultivars have striking yellow, red, and green foliage.
Culinary uses
Amaranthus tricolor, illustration from the Japanese agricultural encyclopedia Seikei Zusetsu (1804)
The leaves and stems may be eaten as a salad vegetable. In Africa, it is usually cooked as a leafy vegetable.[5] It is usually stir fried or steamed as a side dish in both China and Japan.[citation needed]
In Korea, the plant is referred to as bireum (비름). Small-leaved, reddish-stalked chambireum (참비름, "true bireum") is used as a namul vegetable in Korean cuisine. Considered a san-namul (wild green) that grows abundantly in the countryside, it tends to be foraged rather than planted and harvested.[6] It has an earthy and nutty flavor, and goes well with both gochujang- and soup soy sauce-based seasonings, and bori-bap (barley rice).[6][7]
Amaranthus gangeticus is considered a synonym of A. tricolor,[8] 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 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) tall. In Bangladesh, it has been used as a leafy vegetable. It may inhibit calcium retention in rice-based diets.[9]
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