Amaranth = "Alegría" = Happiness

By Kelly MacNeil

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: June 13, 2012

Farmers in Mexico are trying out an unusual crop, with Heifer International’s help. Amaranth is a grain native to Mexico that hasn’t been widely cultivated in hundreds of years. But it’s highly nutritious – lots of protein, vitamins and minerals – and it grows well in arid areas.

Over the last few years, Heifer and its partners in Oaxaca, Mexico, have helped dozens of families by providing training in amaranth cultivation and soil conservation. Now Heifer International Mexico hopes to continue its work there by focusing on children in the poverty-stricken region.

In this video, you can see what amaranth looks like and hear more about the project from the kids involved. You'll also see how to make the sweet treat called "alegria," or "happiness."                                                                                                                                                                                       

Sowing Youth, Harvesting Happy Farmers from Guillermo Monteforte on Vimeo.