The Amazing Amaranth Family

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Jill Cloutier

Episode 32: Meet the broad and beautiful Amaranth family in this episode with farmer and seed saver Andrew McMillion. Andrew shares his experiences propagating and growing Amaranth and tells us about his favorite members in this low maintenance and resilient family including: Orach (Atriplex hortensis), Caucasian Mountain Spinach (Hablitzia tamnoides), Syrian Medieval Chard, and Strawberry Spinach (Blitum capitatum).

We touch on the fascinating history of this plant, why Andrew believes it’s important to “sow your weeds”, and how Amaranth provides him with food nine months of the year. If you’re interested in learning how to save seeds, Andrew says Amaranth is a great family for apprentice seed savers to build a relationship with.

There’s an Amaranth for every climate- just be aware that they are self seeding and some members of the family can become invasive.

Andrew McMillion works on his small farm in Norway where he stewards a large and growing collection of plants. Andrew is a Board Member and guild leader for several guilds in the Norwegian Seed Savers.

Learn more here:

Email: Andrew(at)NorwegianSeedSavers.no

Norwegian Seed Savers

Listen to a previous interview that I did with Andrew: Earth Care- How Connecting to Nature Can Change Your Life