Red amaranth is a large plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and has burgundy seed heads that produce edible leaves and nutritious grains. The leaves are oval-shaped and fleshy, with a central stalk that produces feathery magenta, red, or purple flowers. The flower buds are edible, but the mature flowers are not. The young leaves are slightly astringent when raw, but are nutty and mild, like spinach. Larger, more mature leaves are best for stewing. Red amaranth leaves may be found year-round with peak season in the spring and summer