Amaranthus: Origins to Optimization is the first comprehensive work on this important ancient crop, tracing Amaranthus from its origin to up-to-date information. It has been cultivated for centuries in Asia and the Americas as an important food and medicinal crop. From a position of prominence in the Maya and Aztec civilizations, to relegation in the Middle Ages, and resurgence in modern times, this crop has seen great transformation in usage across continents. Amaranthus is nutritionally important due to the high protein content in the seeds and the abundance of essential amino acids, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals and natural antioxidants.

The highly proteinaceous grain and leaf of Amaranthus can help to make diets more balanced in many parts of the world and can play an important role in combating ‘silent hunger’ among several populations who have little access to protein-rich diet. The seed, flour, leaf and oil of the plant are in great demand by pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food and beverage industries.