Characterization and Nutritive Values of Amaranth Seeds

Backgrounds: Amaranthus have small lenticular seeds with a curved embryo that surrounds a starchy perisperm and with a seed coat whose color varies among black, brown, yellow and cream-white the present investigation was carried out to analyze the physico-chemical properties and nutritional composition of amaranth.

Methodology: Amaranth grains were procured from the Medicinal Aromatic and Underutilized Plant Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Amaranth flour was assessed for its physico-chemical properties and nutrient composition.

Results: Results on physico-chemical properties revealed that bulk density of amaranth flour was 6.06 g/ml, water absorption capacity 9.40 ml/g and fat absorption capacity 58.16%. Swelling capacity of amaranth was 2.54 ml/g. The results of proximate composition revealed that amaranth flour had 10.33% moisture. 14.29% protein, 5.80% fat, 2.84% ash and 4.91% crude fibre. Albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin fractions of amaranth were 9.82, 9.50, 1.42 and 1.28 per cent, respectively. The total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre content of amaranth was 27.34, 9.40 and 17.95%, respectively. Calcium, zinc, iron and potassium contents were 272.03 mg/100 g, 5.81 mg/100 g, 13.76 mg/100 g and 329.87 mg/100 g, respectively.

Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results of present investigation that amaranth is very good source of protein (14.87%), crude fibre (4.91%), ash (2.84%), dietary fibre (27.34%) and minerals specially calcium (272.03 mg/100 g), iron (13.76 mg/100 g) and potassium (329.87 mg/100 g). Amaranth, a pseudo cereal rich in nutrients can be utilized in preparation of traditional products.