Amaranth is a moderately tall, broad-leafed, bushy type of plant that grows about six feet in height with green or sometimes purle colored flowers and red thick stems similar to sunflower. The flowers are made up of miniscule, grain-like buds. Technically amaranth isn't a grain like oats, wheat, or rice. It's sometimes referred to as a "pseudo-cereal" because its nutritional profile is very similar. Amaranth's brightly colored flowery head can produce as many as 60,000 seeds. These seeds are the amaranth grains found in amaranth cereal and flour. Amaranth is a very hardy plant, difficult to kill. It was largely used by Aztecs before the conquest 8,000 years ago (it is thought to constitute 80% of their diet and was a part of many ritual drinks). There are approximately 60 species. One of the most important aspects of this plant is that it is gluten free. It is perfect for vegan diets. Amaranth was recommended by NASA for consumption in space missions.