Amaranth Project

Amaranth was grown as the principle grain crop by the Mayas and Aztecs 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. Its cultivation was prohibited by the Spanish invaders in the 16th. century. The grain was known to be nourishing to infants and to provide energy and strength to warriors on extended trips. It has a higher protein and lysine content than corn or soy, and the best amino acid balance of any other cereal. The rural development program of ACG considers it an ideal crop to combat the 70% of malnourished children in the North West Highlands of Guatemala, and in May we launched a major campaign to promote its cultivation in our rural communities.