Amaranth

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/amaranth

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Amaranthus
2. What is the historical significance?Sacred crop in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, integral to religious ceremonies and diets
3. What is amaranth and why is it called a superfood?Amaranth is a tiny seed that grows into a plant. It is called a superfood because it has lots of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help keep us healthy.
4. How old is amaranth and where was it first grown?Amaranth has been grown for more than 8,000 years. It started in places that are now Mexico and Guatemala.

Pseudocereal: A non-grass plant whose seeds are used as a grain, offering similar nutritional and culinary properties.
Complete Protein: A protein source that provides all nine essential amino acids, which the human body cannot synthesize on its own.
C4 Photosynthesis: A highly efficient photosynthetic pathway found in some plants that allows them to thrive in hot, dry, and sunny conditions.
Food Security: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.