Quinoa

Did you know that...

quinoa is not really classified as a grain? That's right. Although we
have a tendency to class quinoa as a grain or even as a cereal it is
actually classified as a pseudo-cereal. It is actually closely related to beets, spinach and tumbleweeds, of all things! It is a "chenopod" - a subfamily of the flowering plant family Amaranthaceae. So it is also related to amaranth.

Both amaranth and quinoa greens are used as food sources in many cultures. However, in most western cultures quinoa is grown primarily for its edible seeds. Quinoa originated in the Andean region of South America where it has been an important food source for 6ooo years. The Spanish conquistadors tried to eradicate quinoa because it was "food for Indians". Some experts believe that they simply didn't understand the plants make-up and were put off by the bitter taste cause by the coating of protective saponins on the seeds. Saponins are naturally occuring chemical compounds that act as a natural bug-repellent, making the quinoa seeds pretty resistant to attack.

Quinoa is very nutritious. Its protein content is very high (12%–8%) and unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron as well. Quinoa is also gluten-free and easy to digest.

Primarily treated similar to rice or couscous dishes, quinoa can also be used as a high-protein breakfast food mixed with honey, almonds, or berries.

You can also use quinoa for gluten-free baking. For the latter, it can be combined with sorghum flour, tapioca, and potato starch to create a nutritious gluten-free baking mix. A suggested mix is three parts quinoa flour, three parts sorghum flour, two parts potato starch, and one part tapioca starch.

So...next time you see quinoa on the shelf you will know what it is...a very nutritious and very versatile food source that should be in your pantry! Make something with quinoa soon...you'll love it!

Quinoa with Vegetables   Quinoa and Lentil Salad   or
Quinoa, Mango and Tomato Salad

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