Fun Food Trivia
TRIVIA QUESTION: Although I played an important role in Aztec religous rituals, certain varieties of me are considered weeds, and called unflattering names such as "pig weed" and "careless weed." In fact, I am a highly nutritious, hardy plant whose roots are used by Chinese herbalists to cure colds. I come in red and green varieties, with the red version sometimes being mistaken for Chinese spinach.
TRIVIA ANSWER: Amaranth (I love the name). Evidence exists that amaranth was cultivated in South America 5,000 years ago. Spanish conquistadors thought the plant was so beautiful that they took it home with them to Spain, although they appear to have been unaware of its nutritional value (It is high in protein and contains Vitamin A). Amaranth ("een choy") has been grown in China for hundreds of years. It is used in soups and stir-fries.
