It is known by the common names huauzontle (literally "hairy amaranth", from the Nahuatl huauhtli 'amaranth' and tzontli 'hair') and Aztec broccoli.

It is related to other commonly-consumed plants such as quinoa, amaranth, and epazote, as well as the common American weeds goosefoot and lambsquarters.

In addition, it has a high nutritional level, which makes it an excellent grain alternative in regions with difficulties sowing other types of cereals.

[1] During the rule of Moctezuma, huauzontle and amaranth were the fourth most important crops, after maize, beans, and chia.

Alternatively, huauzontles can be encased in an egg batter and deep-fried with a stick of salty Mexican cheese.