QUINOA
“The Mother Grain”

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) was originally cultivated in the Andes more than 6,000 years ago by the ancient Incas who dubbed it the “mother grain.”

Centuries later Quinoa has taken out accolades by the United Nations as a ‘supercrop’ and as the most nourishing grain in the world by The National Academy of Sciences of the United States. It has been crowned a super food and attracted the attention of nutritionists, chefs,  health enthusiasts and celebrities around the world. Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan of quinoa and apparently Spice Girl Mel B says she is addicted.

We can’t get enough of Quinoa for breakfast lunch or dinner and neither will you!

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is actually not a grain; it is a seed belonging to a group known as chenopods and looks similar to couscous however it is gluten free.

There are three varieties of quinoa; red, white and black with white being the most popular. Nutritionists have dubbed it a “super grain” because it contains lysine, an amino acid absent in most grains and for it’s high protein and iron content.

Quinoa has a nutty taste and is a very versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

Quinoa nutrition

Quinoa is very high in calcium, is a rich source of iron and a great source of fiber. Quinoa also takes out the prize for vitamins and minerals being packed with vitamin B and E, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, riboflavin and manganese.

Quinoa health benefits

Quinoa is a high protein, low fat and low-GI (Glycemic Index) food. The high protein (15%) in quinoa can assist with calcium absorption in the bones, it a benefit in any vegetarian diet and it is gluten free.

With a high magnesium content cardiovascular health can be enhanced and it can help to strengthen the whole body. Quinoa contains nine essential amino acids and is considered to be a complete food.

Quinoa also helps you to stay full for longer making it a beneficial food to assist with weight loss.

Cooking Quinoa

Quinoa is very easy to prepare. The fast and simple method is to rinse it before bringing it to the boil and then simmer for about ten-fifteen minutes or until the quinoa becomes translucent and soft.  After it is cooked rinse it under cold water and fork through.

Our preferred method is to soak the quinoa overnight or for several hours before cooking.  Place the quinoa in a saucepan with cold water and bring to the boil.  After boiling allow the quinoa to simmer for ten-fifteen minutes, drain and fork through before serving.

If you want a delicious quinoa treat without cooking it yourself we love Andean Dream Quinoa Cookies and Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bar.

Quinoa recipes

Quinoa is a delicious and nutritious ingredient that is so versatile in the kitchen you can include it in everything from salads to stews.

You can use quinoa as a substitute for rice and also make a quick and delicious quinoa breakfast using quinoa flakes to make porridge. Quinoa is a great accompaniment to any chicken or lamb dish and you can make nutritious vegetarian and vegan quinoa recipes.

With it’s growing popularity comes a wide range of books with healthy quinoa recipes and information about the superfood. Quinoa 365 has mostly positive reviews and is a popular choice of recipe books.

How can I buy Quinoa?

It is very easy to order quinoa online, purchase from your local Wholefoods Market, supermarket or grocery store.

In addition to the quinoa grain and flour there is a myriad of delicious quinoa products you can buy.

We recommend buying organic quinoa and fair trade quinoa whenever possible.