It is a hardy perennial plant that grows wild as bush with little care in tropical regions of the world. This plant grows to an average of six feet in height with slender reddish branches and stems, and green leaves. It often appears almost magically in some places without being planted. The plant can survive harsh climates and grow on almost any type of soil.
This plant goes by the scientific name Amaranthus Dubius, and it is called many different things by people of different parts of the world. In Guyana, South America, Amaranthus Dubius is called “red stem bhajee,” or “red stem callaloo.” Amaranthus Dubius is also called red spinach, Chinese spinach, chowrai, caterpillar bhajee, callaloo (Jamaica), malabar callaloo, cow pen bhajee, Trinidad bhajee, zeypinah (St. Lucia), deer bhajee, lal shak (Bangladesh), umbido (southern parts of Africa), etc.
Amaranthus Dubius is most prolific in and native to South America, Mexico, and the West Indies, but is constantly being introduced to other parts of the world due its nutritious and tasty food value. Although Amaranthus Dubious grows as easily as wild bush in any type of soil and requires very little care and maintenance, it is actually a valuable, edible plant that is both tasty and nutritious.
While there are several varieties of Amaranthus Dubius, the variety used as food by Guyanese is the one with the reddish stems and green leaves. It is cooked and used to supplement other foods such as curry and rice, roti, dhall with rice and meats, etc. Amaranthus dubius is rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, and carry a wide range of health benefits. We will update this article with details later. Please sign up to our mailing list (above) and follow our Facebook Page to stay informed.
