What’s all the Hype about…Quinoa?

by Katie Bock

What' the Hype about Quinoa

I hear about quinoa all the time now and I absolutely love it!  It can be used in several dishes and is packed with nutrients.  Quinoa actually has the highest nutritional profile of all and grains.  And big plus, it cooks pretty fast, faster than rice.

Quinoa is native to the Andes Mountains in South America.  It has been growing there for several thousands of years.  Quinoa was consumed by the Incas!  Cool, right?

Quinoa is such a powerful grain and high energy.  Its powerful attributes consist of…

  • High protein content about
  • All eight Amino Acids
  • Gluten free and easy for your body to digest
  • Great for endurance
  • High in Iron, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Calcium, Zinc, and Potassium

Wow, sounds healthy packed to me!  An awesome food for the heart, lungs and kidneys too.  Really overall a great add on to any meal.  And it can also be used to substitute meat.

Fun Fact:

  1. Quinoa is actually a seed. Works as grain, protein substitution, and add on.
  2. There are over 120 different types of Quinoa and only 3 are cultivated and sold in most stores. Black, red, and yellow/ivory…usually there is a mixed package as well. (a mix looks like the picture above)

Generally to cook quinoa you take 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water in a small pot/saucepan.  Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes….Or follow instructions on the container.  Directions usually work nicely  🙂

Always remember!!  Rinse quinoa before cooking.  This removes quinoa’s bitter coating Saponin.  Although usually rinsed before packaging, it is good to rinse at home.  Rinse may produce a soapy like water. A Grain Strainer may come in handy as well.

Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

Use for…

So what is the Hype about Quinoa?  High energy, great for the body, easily digestible, extremely versatile in the Kitchen…I think it is time to get Quinoa in your Kitchen!!

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