Title: EVALUATION OF LEAFY AMARANTH (Amaranthus cruentus L.) AS A PROMISING NEW SUMMER VEGETABLE CROP IN EGYPT
Abstract: Leafy amaranth cultivated during 1997 and 1998 was investigated in terms of its acceptability and composition.Results indicated that the proximate composition of amaranth (as dwb) were: crude protein, (25.46 -29.02%); total lipids (6.47 -7.13%); ash (19.78-22.71%);crude fiber (15.25 -18.92%) and N-free extract (24.75-30.76%).Mineral elements were ranged as follows (mg/100, dwb): Na (1585-1708); K (4877 -5730); Ca (2088 -2459); Mg (988-1249); Fe ( 255-374) and P (375-421).Ascorbic acid varied from 279.2 to 337.8mg / 100g (dwb), while βß-carotene ranged between 46-11 and 68-84 mg / 100.(dwb) .Nitrite and nitrate contents were (3.071 -4.827 ppm) and (60.4-91.5 ppm), respectively, while cyanide and total oxalate ranged between 22.9 and 30.9 ppm; and between 1.444 and 1.613g / 100g (dwb), respectively.All panelists judjed cooked amaranth as spinach.In the light of data presented here , it can be concluded that leafy amaranth is quite comparable to spinach from the compositional point of view and it is a good ulternative of spinach during summer in Egypt.