The Pira, also known as Amaranth, Bledo, Huatli or "Yerba Caracas", is a plant that grows anywhere. However, its properties are little known today.
The pyre was cultivated and consumed by the natives who inhabited the extension of the territory Toromaina or "Valley of the Guaire", extended to the feet of the hill Ávila or Waraira Repano.
It recognizes the nutritional value of this plant that contains vitamins A, B, C, B1, B2, B3 and folic acid. Also niacin, calcium, iron, phosphorus plus amino acids such as lysine, fiber and natural fats.
Its origin dates back about seven thousand years ago and had great value for Mayans, Aztecs, Incas and Caribs, since this herb was part of their food and medicinal treatments.
It can be consumed raw in salads, prepare infusions with their roots, stems and leaves or use together with the dressings in stews and their seeds can be processed as flour.
The pyre grows on any land, does not require continuous irrigation or large amounts of fertilizer. It can be planted by spreading seeds in gardens or in pots.
There are 70 species of this herb and in Venezuela 8. The different species can be grouped in "horticultural" because they eat the stems and leaves, which have a taste similar to spinach and "graniferous", because they have spikes of larger grains that can be turned into flour.
Pira leaves contain more iron and folic acid than spinach. They are recommended for the treatment of malnutrition and anemia problems. In addition, because of the large amount of calcium and magnesium in this plant, it is a great ally for people going through menopause or suffering from osteoporosis and for diabetics. It is considered an ideal food for the elderly for its antidepressant properties, avoids stress and not to mention its powers as a cerebral oxygenate.