'Pink Blush Folong' Amaranth

Amaranthus spp. Origin: Cameroon Improvement status: Landrace Seeds per packet: ~90 Germination tested 12/2023: 67% Life cycle: Annual EFN INTRODUCTION. 'Folong' is an absolutely delicious vegetable-type amaranth from Cameroon with large, tender, mild-flavored leaves (Nate likes them even better than spinach!), and plentiful edible black seeds as well. When we grew this the first time, the leaves, stems, and flower-heads on nearly all plants were yellowish green, but one plant had evident pink pigmentation even as a seedling, so we isolated it. As it grew, the pink blush remained on the stem and also appeared on the flower-head upon flowering. We decided to offer some of the copious seeds that plant produced here, because it is especially beautiful — and just as delicious as its green-yellow cousins. While most amaranth has an earthy flavor that some people find unpleasant, this African variety has basically none of that flavor, especially after cooking. Sauteed with garlic, you might