Amaranth

Amaranthus is the genus for the pigweed family. The word is derived from the Greek word amarantus, which means “everlasting.” Amaranth, an ancient crop originating in the Americas, can be used as a high-protein grain or as a leafy vegetable, and has potential as a forage crop.
The production of amaranth in Latin America diminished dramatically subsequent to Spanish rule, the positive attributes of the crop led to its adoption in other areas of the world. By the 1700s, amaranth had spread throughout Europe for use as a herb and ornamental.