If the seed is very damp, let it dry spread thinly on a tray in the sun for a day or so. Then winnow the seed by pouring it from one bowl to another in a steady breeze.

How do you process amaranth?

To harvest amaranth grains, allow the plant to go to seed. As the flowers begin to brown and die back, cut and bag them. After the seeds dry inside the bag, shake it to separate them from the flowers. Then, simply rinse away the seed chaff and enjoy the high-protein grain as you would quinoa or millet.

Why is amaranth banned in the US?

Since 1976 Amaranth dye has been banned in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a suspected carcinogen. Its use is still legal in some countries, notably in the United Kingdom where it is most commonly used to give glacé cherries their distinctive color.