Monday, March 24, 2014

Mr. Smarty Pants on Purslane vs. Amaranth

Dear Smarty Pants,
Not long ago you were praising the merits of the wild plant purslane. It was the best. Now you've switched over to Amaranthus. You sure jump around a lot. What gives?

A. Purslane is tops for plants growing wild, even in suburban sidewalks. But for a superabundant weed or cultivated seed and leaf plant, Amaranth is extremely nutritious and has medical value too. Golden Giant can produce up to a pound of seed per plant. The seeds are easily shaken off the plant and do not need to be hulled.

Q. Is your little blog about the Bible or do you want to make it about gardening?

A. Both. Paul makes it very clear that those who do not provide for their families are worse than infidels, or unbelievers. In coming times food may become very expensive, scarce, or genetically contaminated. I can think of no better way to provide food for your family (easy too) than growing amaranth, period. Must Americans refuse to learn from the many cultures that grow this wonderful crop? I refer to the following verse by Paul:

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8, NIV

1 comment:

  1. I am afraid I have taken "providing for ones relatives" a bit more broadly than most people. This is one of the scriptures to me that supports preparedness. Thanks again for another insightful post which helps us to remember, why we learned to do, the things we do. Fondly,

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