A leafy green vegetable found in Seattle farmers markets, red amaranth Chinese spinach can be prepared like you would regular spinach, added to soups and stir-frys, tossed with pasta, sautéed as a side dish, or served in salads.
What is it related to? “Chinese Spinach” can refer to several types of leafy green vegetables. In Seattle farmers markets you may see Red Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) sold as Chinese spinach. The Amaranth family includes plants native to the Americas that have been cultivated for thousands of years. Amaranths can be grown for seeds used as a grain (grain amaranth and the related quinoa), or as a leafy green vegetable. There are also ornamental varieties of amaranths not used for food. Amaranths have a high protein and fiber content. Unlike true grains, amaranths are not grasses so amaranth grains contain no gluten.
When is it available? The peak season for red amaranth Chinese Spinach in Seattle farmers markets is July-September.
What does it look like? Red amaranth Chinese spinach looks like regular spinach, with pointed instead of rounded leaves and dark red or maroon patches (see photo).
What portions do I eat? The edible portions are the leaves and tender stems. Other varieties of amaranths are also grown for their seeds, which are eaten as a grain that can be popped like corn, flaked like a cereal, or ground into flour.
What does it taste like? The flavor and texture of leafy red amaranth is similar to spinach, however red amaranth Chinese spinach is sweeter, more flavorful, and more nutritious, being high in protein and fiber.
What's the best way to store it? Store red amaranth Chinese spinach as you would any tender leafy green vegetable or lettuce. Wash and dry the greens, then wrap in paper or cloth toweling and place in the refrigerator in the vegetable bin or in plastic bags or airtight containers up to several days. You could also blanch and freeze the greens as you would spinach. After blanching, be sure to squeeze as much excess water as you can from the greens, then wrap (in freezer paper or plastic) and freeze.
How is it prepared? Prepare red amaranth Chinese spinach like you would spinach. Wash and dry the leaves and pinch off any large, thick stems.
How is it served? Serve red amaranth Chinese spinach like you would spinach, using it in soups and stir-frys, tossing it with pasta, or adding fresh leaves to salads. The red color will bleed into any cooking liquid, so in some recipes you may want to cook (boil, steam, or sauté) Chinese spinach separately and add to other ingredients (in soups, stir-frys, or pasta dishes) just before serving.
What are some substitutes for it? Spinach or other tender greens such as chard or spring greens.
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