This is a subfamily of the Amaranthaceae. They range from annuals or perennials to shrubs and small trees. The leaves are usually alternating and flat. Often the plants are from difficult or disturbed environments. They have their greatest diversity in moderately dry and warm areas.
A number of species are used as vegetables, such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and various goosefoot species such as eg. Chenopodium quinoa. In the Andes, quinoa has been in use for thousands of years. Quinoa seeds are also used as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners. This very common goosefoot (Chenopodium album) is often considered a weed, but its leaves are edible, as are the quinoa-related seeds.
Read more »Image of Quinoa by Pierre Bamin via Unsplash
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