Amaranth seeds can be harvested by hand or with a combine. To harvest by hand, cut the seed heads off the plant and place them in a paper bag. Hang the bag in a warm, dry place until the seeds have dried.
To harvest with a combine, set the cutter bar low to avoid damaging the plants. Harvest when the plants are dry and the seed heads are brown.
- Wait until the amaranth plant has flowered and produced seed heads
- Cut the seed heads off the plant with a sharp knife or scissors
- Place the seed heads in a paper bag or on a cloth to dry for about a week
- Rub the dried seeds off of the seed head into a bowl or onto a plate
- Winnow the seeds by pouring them back and forth between two bowls or plates, letting the wind blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier seeds fall to the bottom
- Store the harvested amaranth seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them
Contents
Harvesting Amaranth Seeds – Simple Seed Saving from a Wonderful Crop
How Do You Know When Amaranth Seeds are Ready to Harvest?
Amaranth seeds are ready to harvest when the plant has completely died back and the seed heads are dry and brown. To ensure a good seed crop, it is important to wait until all the leaves have fallen off the plant before cutting it down.
How Do You Separate Amaranth Seeds from Chaff?
If you’re looking to separate amaranth seeds from chaff, the process is actually pretty simple. All you need is a bowl of water and a strainer.
First, pour your amaranth seeds into the bowl of water.
Then, using your hands or a spoon, gently agitate the seeds until the chaff starts to float to the top. Once the chaff is floating, carefully pour off the water, making sure to leave the seeds behind.
Repeat this process a few times until most of the chaff has been removed.
Then, simply allow your seeds to dry before storing them in an airtight container.
Can You Save Seeds from Amaranth?
Yes, you can save seeds from amaranth. The process is relatively simple and only requires that you have a few supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
-Amaranth plants
-A clean, dry container
-Rubber gloves (optional)
To begin, wait until the amaranth plant has flowered and produced seed heads. Once the seed heads are brown and dry, cut them from the plant and place them in your container. If you’re wearing rubber gloves, you can now rub the seed heads to release the seeds into the container.
If you’re not wearing gloves, simply wait for the seed heads to naturally release their seeds before proceeding to the next step.
Once all of the seeds have been collected, pour them into a bowl or other vessel and gently blow away any debris or chaff that may be present. Now your seeds are ready to be stored!
Keep them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to plant them next season.
Are All Amaranth Seeds Edible?
Yes, all amaranth seeds are edible. The small, black seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus are especially popular in South America, where they are used in a variety of dishes. In Peru, for example, they are cooked with milk and sugar to make a sweet porridge called mazamorra.
Credit: www.thesurvivalgardener.com
How to Save Amaranth Seeds
Amaranth is a plant that is part of the Amaranthaceae family. It is a flowering plant that produces seeds. The seeds can be used for food or to grow new amaranth plants.
To save amaranth seeds, you will need to wait until the flowers have dried and the seed heads have turned brown. Cut off the seed heads and place them in a paper bag. Store the bag in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant the seeds.
When planting, sow the seeds thinly so they have room to grow. With proper care, your amaranth plants will produce an abundance of seeds for you to enjoy!
Cooking Amaranth Seeds
Amaranth seeds are a superfood with many health benefits. They are high in protein and fiber, and have a low glycemic index, making them a great food for diabetics. Amaranth seeds are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Cooking amaranth seeds is easy – simply simmer them in water for about 15 minutes until they are soft. You can then add them to soups or stews, or use them as a replacement for rice or other grains. Amaranth seeds have a nutty flavor that goes well with other savory dishes.
How to Harvest Pigweed Seeds
Pigweed is an annual plant in the amaranth family. It is a common weed in gardens and fields. The leaves are edible and high in vitamins A and C. The seeds can be used as a grain or ground into a flour.
To harvest the seeds, wait until the plant has flowered and started to produce seed heads. Cut the seed heads off of the plant and place them in a paper bag to dry. Once they are dry, rub the seed heads over a screen or sieve to release the seeds.
Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Conclusion
Amaranth is an annual herb that can grow up to six feet tall. It has a taproot with thin, fibrous roots that branch out from it. The stem is erect and reddish in color.
The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate in shape, and have serrated margins. The flowers are small and borne in clusters at the leaf axils. Each flower has five petals that are fused at the base.
After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads that contain numerous small seeds.
To harvest amaranth seeds, wait until the seed heads turn brown and begin to release the seeds when rubbed between your fingers. Cut the seed heads off of the plant and place them in a paper bag or another container where they can finish drying completely.
Once dry, thresh the seed heads by rubbing them between your hands over a bowl or other container.