Amaranth, commonly found in the traditional dish, imifino, is sometimes dismissed as a poor man’s food, but this reputation is undeserved as the plant has many benefits, not least its potential to provide greater food security, say researchers from UWC’s department of biotechnology.
The team, who are doing research into amaranth, spoke about their work to patrons at Khulani library hall on Friday October 11.
The talk was organised by the Ukhanyo.The Light (Love for Science) organisation, which, according to its founder, Donald Puza, creates opportunities for children in Khayelitsha who love science.
Professor Takalani Malaudzi said the project, which she leads, was funded by the Water Research Commission of South Africa to explore the plant’s health benefits and uses.
Amaranth had a much higher level of nutrition compared to spinach and wheat, and its seeds could be used to make gluten-free flour, she said.
“This crop is highly nutritious. This plant could be eaten as a vegetable, and the great part about this plant is the fact that it grows under extremely difficult conditions. You do not have to struggle to grow it.
“You do not have to give water, it grows on its own and perhaps you can water it once a week. In terms of trying to solve the problem of food security, why not use this plant as one of the many solutions?”