Leaf Amaranthus

[Hector]

Ihave been reading threads on this but can't see if it only does well in full sun...I have an area that gets sun 5-6 hours a daywould it be ok? What final spread do you get?

[Hector]

[Hector]

...and does it taste nice!!!!

[saddad]

Dunno... but I have a packet to try...  :)

[Hector]

snap!!!! :)

[djbrenton]

Some varieties are called callaloo in the Caribean. Whilst they like as much sun as they can get, if you sow it in a tray then plant out as early as possible after the last frost you should still get a decent result. They are heavy feeders and will respond well to rich ground despite growing by the wayside in Jamaica. Remove the seedhead and crop till the first frost.

[Hector]

Thanks Djbrenton. I will propagate some now. I was reading one of your other posts re cooking this/freezing it and sounds ideal for us as we currently use loads of frozen spinach. Any recipes greatly appreciated :)

Saddad, are you planting too?

[djbrenton]

My favourite recipe is a very quick one. Prepare the callaloo by stripping the leaves. Then peel the cellulose like outer from the bottom of the stalks ( much like stripping rhubarb of the stringy bits) and cut the stalks into one inch pieces.. Chuck some tomatoes, garlic, onion and chilli into a frying pan together with the stalks and cook for about 20 minutes. Add the ripped leaf in for just long enough to wilt and serve.

[Hector]

Sounds delicious. Do you freeze a lot?