Flora canaria > Especies silvestres
Amaranthus lividus
Amaranthus lividus L. ssp. lividus
Familia
AMARANTHACEAE
Bledo, Cenizo, Amaranto
Amaranthus lividus (currently classified in botanical taxonomy as a non-accepted synonym of Amaranthus blitum), commonly known as bledo, purple amaranth or yuyo colorado, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. Although it is considered an invasive weed in many modern agricultural regions, it is a highly nutritious ancient food crop.
It is a herbaceous plant that typically grows to between 30 and 60 cm (though it can reach up to 1 metre). It has erect or prostrate, branched stems that are usually reddish or purplish in colour.
The leaves are simple, alternate and ovate in shape, with a characteristically notched or slightly indented apex. Depending on the variety, the leaves range in colour from bright green to a deep purple or red.
Small and inconspicuous when viewed individually, they are grouped in axillary inflorescences or compact terminal spikes that are green or reddish in colour.
Its young leaves are eaten cooked or raw, much like spinach. They have a mild flavour and are frequently used in salads, soups and regional stews.
It is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, surpassing several common leafy green vegetables in nutritional value.
Selected varieties with purple leaves (var. rubrum) are grown in urban vegetable patches and gardens for their striking colour contrast.
El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote
Bledo, Cenizo, Amaranto
Amaranthus lividus (currently classified in botanical taxonomy as a non-accepted synonym of Amaranthus blitum), commonly known as bledo, purple amaranth or yuyo colorado, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. Although it is considered an invasive weed in many modern agricultural regions, it is a highly nutritious ancient food crop.
It is a herbaceous plant that typically grows to between 30 and 60 cm (though it can reach up to 1 metre). It has erect or prostrate, branched stems that are usually reddish or purplish in colour.
The leaves are simple, alternate and ovate in shape, with a characteristically notched or slightly indented apex. Depending on the variety, the leaves range in colour from bright green to a deep purple or red.
Small and inconspicuous when viewed individually, they are grouped in axillary inflorescences or compact terminal spikes that are green or reddish in colour.
Its young leaves are eaten cooked or raw, much like spinach. They have a mild flavour and are frequently used in salads, soups and regional stews.
It is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, surpassing several common leafy green vegetables in nutritional value.
Selected varieties with purple leaves (var. rubrum) are grown in urban vegetable patches and gardens for their striking colour contrast.
El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote
