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This edible, flowering plant species called Amaranthus cruentus produces the wholesome staple grain known as amaranth. It is one of three Amaranthus species that are grown for its grain. Its names in English include blood amaranth, crimson amaranth, purple amaranth, prince's feather, and Mexican grain amaranth. Its names in Mexico are huautli and alegria.

The tall annual herb Amaranthus cruentus has clusters of dark pink flowers on top. The plant blooms from summer to fall and can reach a height of 6 feet (2 meters).

As early as 4000 BC, this species was being used as a food source in North America and Central America. The seeds are eaten as a cereal grain. The seeds are white in the domesticated plant and black in the wild kind. They can be cooked into a porridge, crushed into flour, popped fancy popcorn, or turned into a treat called alegria. The seeds can grow into nutritious sprouts, and the leaves can be prepared like spinach.