Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
IN YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN, what will you plant this year that you didn’t plant last year? Perhaps you’d like to try Edamame soybeans (great for breakfast) or Bok Choy (delicious with garlic and soba noodles). Then again, maybe you’d like to join me for an experiment with Amaranthus hypochondriacus:
This ‘Golden Giant’ amaranth produces gorgeous flowers first, and then an abundance of edible seeds. The seeds contain more nutrients and protein than wheat, corn, and most other common grains. Reader Martha told me in the comments of a previous post that just one plant will yield one pound of seeds. And, as a bonus, in the fall I’ll get to “winnow” the seeds (pour them from one bucket to another during a gentle breeze), in order to clean them of dirt and debris. Beautiful blooms, healthy eating, and the fun of winnowing — this amaranth seems like a win-win all around. I can hardly wait to try it.
Which “new” edible will find its way into your garden? Let us know in the comments field below!
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Sheila says
New to me will be Brussels sprouts. I loved your recipe for the caramelized ones!
Gardenlady says
Kevin, new for me but probably common for others will be onions. Didn't you suggest planting these around other veggies to protect them from pests?
martha says
sorry, im a little late in catching up, its already march. i moved to northern california from ontario,north of toronto a few years ago. almost everything about the garden is new. its exciting. plants no longer die from the onset of winter, they die of old age here, what a hoot. now i have 12 months of gardening as opposed to the ont. 5 month season. i get to grow okra and artichokes, can you believe it? wow.
this year i hope to start goji berries, tasty and highly nutritious eaten raw or dried like cranberries.
last years garden adventure was growing jerusalem artichokes, helianthus tuberosis. valued for the edible crispy tubers for salads or cooked like a spud,low maintenance marginal soil cultivation, ethanol possibilities, and a profusion of bright yellow flowers late summer.
martha says
kevin, the gentle breeze might not have the desired effect in winnowing the amaranth. it didnt for me, your mileage may vary. i wound up finishing mine off on the patio in front of a fan on low by slowly dropping the seed down through the breeze to a waiting pan. the chaff blew off while the heavier seed stayed put.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Martha – your move to northern California must have produced for you the most pleasant of all “culture shocks!” I'd love to try helianthus tuberosus – I know it makes a beautiful flower, too.
Thanks for the amaranth winnowing-tip. Maybe you'll provide me your consultation services at harvest time? And – get this – my local farm store is now selling tiny bags of organic amaranth for $9.95 each! So it seems to be a wise crop to grow.
martha says
hi kevin and garden buddies. the move here was the best and the worst, if youve moved you know. i left the gardens i had developed surrounding a house quite like yours, 'cept two blocks from georgian bay. it was my little eden. hence the worst.
the best is getting to garden here year round, everything is different about the expanding garden here, so learning and discovering exciting new things daily! think aboot it, if you had to start your garden over, completely from scratch what would you do? how would it be different? see? the mind runs wild. i love it. and to have a partner that is so totally appreciative of the results and eager to help and lift the heavy stuff, so cool. i'm living my dream.
i had the helianthus in ontario in the beds surrounding the wrap around porch. it looked great as backdrop for the garden all summer and then dried up and died about a week ahead of thanksgiving to afford a nice harvest of roots and cut stalks for dry entry way arrangements.
the co-op in davis, ca sells amaranth for an outrageous price, i've thought it might be worth contacting them if i have an excess this year. no consultation services, i'm learning as i go, but i'd love to be friends for the journey.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Martha – Isn't it great to have an appreciative partner? Mine is too. He does not, however, help with the heavy lifting!
Regarding amaranth, I think offering surplus for sell is a great idea. Harvested seeds certainly command a hefty price around here!