Secrets on how to cultivate mchicha

Nyamvula Lenga tendering some Mchicha at her quarter acre plot at Lilongwe area. [Gideon Maundu, Standard]

Amaranth, which is locally known as mchicha, is one of Kenya's indigenous vegetables that is tastey and highly nutritious. It is a gluten-free grain that provides plenty of fibre, protein and micronutrients.

The vegetable is very popular in the Coast where locals test their culinary skills by adding a spices and dash of coconut milk to make tantalising mchicha wa nazi. Most farmers grow it on small scale and sell it in local markets and by the roadside.