About Amaranthus tricolor L.
Amaranthus tricolor L., commonly called edible amaranth, is a flowering plant species in the genus Amaranthus of the Amaranthaceae family. This species is frequently cultivated for both ornamental and culinary use. It goes by different regional common names: bireum in Korea, tampala, tandaljo, or tandalja bhaji in India, callaloo in the Caribbean, and Joseph's coat in other regions, a name that references the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. While it is native to South and South-East Asia, A. tricolor is among the several amaranth species grown in warm regions across the globe. Cultivars of this plant have distinctive, striking yellow, red, and green foliage. For culinary purposes, the leaves and stems of Amaranthus tricolor can be eaten raw as a salad vegetable. In Africa, it is most commonly prepared by cooking as a leafy vegetable. In China and Japan, it is typically stir fried or steamed and served as a side dish.
