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<b>Grain amaranth (dodo)</b><br>Commonly known as dodo, grain amaranth is a leafy vegetable and grain that comes from the Amaranthaceae family. This plant that comes in all sizes, colours and shapes, is often enjoyed world over in grain or leafy form.
By Stella Nassuna
Grain amaranth (dodo)
Commonly known as dodo, grain amaranth is a leafy vegetable and grain that comes from the Amaranthaceae family. This plant that comes in all sizes, colours and shapes, is often enjoyed world over in grain or leafy form.
Amaranth is grown in two varieties; the cultivated type and the wild variety, but both varieties are said to be edible. Its leaves are at times round or lance shaped, and range from light green, dark green or reddish colour. In Uganda, Amaranth is commonly enjoyed as a vegetable. The leaves are usually sold in bundles that range between sh500 to sh1,000. The leafy amaranth is either enjoyed steamed or fried and spied up with ingredients to make exotic dishes.
It is not only the leafy amaranth that is financially beneficial to Ugandan farmers. The amaranth grains are also processed to make porridge and bread also generate income to the farmers and traders.
In Mbale, a small co-operative group of over 100 small hold farmers and a women’s group, have produced and marketed the products of amaranth grains since 2008.
These grains are believed to be highly nutritious because of its high protein content, essential fatty acids and micro-nutrients.
Grain amaranth (dodo)
Commonly known as dodo, grain amaranth is a leafy vegetable and grain that comes from the Amaranthaceae family. This plant that comes in all sizes, colours and shapes, is often enjoyed world over in grain or leafy form.
Amaranth is grown in two varieties; the cultivated type and the wild variety, but both varieties are said to be edible. Its leaves are at times round or lance shaped, and range from light green, dark green or reddish colour. In Uganda, Amaranth is commonly enjoyed as a vegetable. The leaves are usually sold in bundles that range between sh500 to sh1,000. The leafy amaranth is either enjoyed steamed or fried and spied up with ingredients to make exotic dishes.
It is not only the leafy amaranth that is financially beneficial to Ugandan farmers. The amaranth grains are also processed to make porridge and bread also generate income to the farmers and traders.
In Mbale, a small co-operative group of over 100 small hold farmers and a women’s group, have produced and marketed the products of amaranth grains since 2008.
These grains are believed to be highly nutritious because of its high protein content, essential fatty acids and micro-nutrients.