Long before “superfoods” became a trend, amaranth was already nourishing communities across India and South America. Known locally as Rajgira Atta or Ramdana, this tiny grain has been part of fasting foods, festive sweets, and wholesome meals for centuries. Now, it’s making a comeback in modern kitchens as people rediscover its nutritional richness, earthy flavour, and gluten-free versatility.
Why Amaranth Flour is Special
- Heritage & Culture – In India, amaranth has deep cultural roots, used in vrat (fasting) dishes like laddus, rotis, puris, and chikkis. Its Sanskrit name “Rajgira” literally means royal grain.
- Gluten-Free Goodness – Naturally free from gluten, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten intolerance or who want to diversify their grains.
- Rich Nutrition Profile – Amaranth flour is high in protein (with lysine, an amino acid missing in most grains), calcium, iron, magnesium, and fibre. It’s particularly beneficial for bone health, immunity, and sustained energy.
- Heart & Gut Friendly – The fibre content supports digestion and helps regulate cholesterol.
- Versatility in Cooking – Works well in both traditional Indian dishes and modern baking experiments.
Regional Names of Amaranth (Rajgira)
Amaranth is a pan-Indian grain with diverse names that reflect its deep cultural roots:
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Hindi | राजगिरा (Rajgira), रामदाना (Ramdana) |
| Marathi | राजगिरा (Rajgira) |
| Gujarati | રાજગરો (Rajgaro) |
| Tamil | கீரை விதை (Keerai Vidai) / முலைக் கீரை (Mulai Keerai) |
| Telugu | తొటకూర గింజలు (Thotakura Ginjalu) / రమ్దానా (Ramdana) |
| Kannada | ಧಾಂತು (Dhantu) / ರಾಜಗಿರಾ (Rajgira) |
| Bengali | রামদানা (Ramdana) |
| Odia | ରାମଦାନା (Ramdana) |
Across most states, the word Ramdana (meaning “seed of God”) is commonly understood, especially in the context of fasting and festive foods.
Cooking with Amaranth Flour
- Rotis & Parathas – Slightly nutty in flavor, amaranth flour makes soft rotis, mostly combined with potato or other flours for pliability.
- Fasting Recipes – A staple for Navratri and Ekadashi, used in puris, laddus, halwa, and rajgira chikki.
- Modern Uses – Can be mixed with wheat, jowar, or oat flour in pancakes, muffins, and cookies for added nutrition.
- Tips – Since amaranth lacks gluten, it doesn’t bind easily. Mixing with another flour or boiling potatoes helps in making dough manageable.
Trusted Amaranth Flour Brands in India
- Millet Amma
Type: Organic Amaranth Flour
Notable: Made from 100% organic amaranth seeds, rich in protein, fibre, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium. Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and anti-inflammatory. Unpolished and easy to cook, perfect for gluten-free and nutrient-dense recipes.
Ideal For: Wellness-focused homes, those replacing wheat or rice flour, and anyone looking for clean-label, nutrient-rich staples - Jiwa
Type: Premium Amaranth Flour
Notable: Sourced with quality assurance, cold-milled for freshness, and packed for transparency with minimal processing. Jiwa is known for eco-conscious practices and consistently fine texture, appealing to health-conscious, urban consumers.
Ideal For: Urban shoppers and home bakers wanting reliably premium, fresh, and versatile amaranth flour for a range of recipes - Dhatu Organics
Type: Organic Roasted Amaranth Flour
Notable: Produced from 100% organic amaranth seeds, roasted and cold-milled to enhance flavour and digestibility. High in essential amino acids, fibre, calcium, and iron. Gluten-free and suited to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Ideal For: Health-conscious families, vegan/gluten-intolerant users, and anyone seeking a mild, nutty flour for everyday use
How to Store
- Keep in an airtight container away from sunlight and moisture.
- Use within 1–2 months of processing for freshness, or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
- Due to higher concentration of oils, Amaranth flour has a shorter shelf life compared to wheat or rice flour. Opting for small-batch purchases helps prevent it from turning stale or losing nutrients.
Bringing Amaranth Flour to Your Kitchen Soon
At Aara Living, we’re reintroducing ancient ingredients like Amaranth Flour into the modern Indian pantry. Carefully sourced, minimally processed, and deeply rooted in tradition — so every roti, sweet, or bake you make carries both nutrition and heritage.