- Botanical Name & Family: Amaranthus (e.g., Amaranthus cruentus), Amaranthaceae family.
- Plant Description: Annual, large, bushy plant (90-130 cm tall) with erect, branched stems. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate, pointed green. Produces pink or white flowers in summer/autumn. Seeds are yellow, white, red, brown, pink, or black.
- Cultivation Tips: Prefers warm climates and well-drained soils (pH > 6-7). Sow indoors mid-April to mid-May (15-22°C) or outdoors mid-June (soil temp > 15°C). Germination is quick (7-10 days). Requires consistent moisture. Harvest first leaves weeks after sowing. Not hardy, dies below freezing.
- Ayurvedic Description: Rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, and hypolipidemic properties. Used for heart ailments, digestive disorders (indigestion, constipation, flatulence), bone/joint problems, diabetes, cholesterol, obesity, skin/hair issues, and anaemia. Helps manage high sugar levels by improving metabolism.
Nutritional profile of seasonal vegetable (per 100g raw edible portion):
| Vegetable | Botanical Name | Calories (kcal) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Key Vitamins | Key Minerals |
| Chaulayi (Amaranth) Leaves | Amaranthus | 102 / 17 | – / 2.1 | 3.8 / 1.56 | 1.56 / 0.2 | 2.1 / 0.4 | A, B6, C, E | Fe, Mg, P, Cu, Ca, K, Se, Mn |