An Introduction To Quinoa

Quinoa (Pronounced Ken-Wa) is it another food craze of the moment or truly one of the world’s healthiest foods? To explore this intriguing rediscovery I thought that it would be interesting to present a 10 part series on this food.

This is a food that is both old and new; as an ancient staple and a rediscovered foodie favorite. If you have noticed it at all, you know what everyone is saying about it. Can it be that this is the perfect food for you and your family? Could this be the one new ingredient you try this year that changes the way you cook? This tiny seed is all that and a powerhouse of nutrition, flavor and texture. Let's take a brief look at this super-food and why it is quickly becoming all the rage.

What is Quinoa?

Those who are not yet familiar with this seed may think of it as a grain, or at least a replacement for grains. The little tiny disc is actually a seed of a plant in the same family as beets, chard, and spinach. These nutritious, amino acid rich seeds are light and fluffy when cooked, with a little snap to it. You'll also find the seed in a variety of beautiful colors such as gold, red, and even black.

Ancient History

While relatively new to the US market, this food has been cultivated in Peru, Chile, and Bolivia for over 50 centuries (that's right, I said centuries!) and is a staple food in their diets. The Incas considered the seed a sacred food and referred to it as the "mother seed,” which is why we often refer to it as “Gold of the Incas.”

When Spanish conquistadors were trying to gain control of the South American indigenous people, they destroyed the fields in which the seed was grown, and outlawed the farming and sale of the seed. In 1980, two Americans re-discovered the health and nutrition potential of the seed and started cultivation in Colorado. Today, this tiny seed is finding its way into homes and restaurants all over the map.

Health Benefits

For being such a tiny little seed, it is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It is also a great source of manganese, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. The minerals contained in relatively high amounts may also be especially helpful for those people who have consistent migraines, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

One of the most highly valued aspects of the seed for many people is that it is gluten free. Those looking for alternatives for wheat and other gluten foods can turn to this food in several forms to replace the gluten in their diets.

How to Eat Quinoa

The seeds are naturally covered by a saponin residue that is bitter to the palate. This is one defense mechanism the plant has to fend off the occasional passing critter that wants a snack. While commercial cultivation processes remove much of the saponin that coats the seed, it is still a good idea to rinse the seeds in cold water to make sure the process is complete. However, there are many brands that are pre-rinsed. You can use your own judgment.

Once you have the seeds rinsed, bring a pot of one part of the seeds and two parts water to a boil, cover, and simmer slowly for fifteen minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the seeds are tender. If you want to keep more of the natural nutty flavor, you can dry roast the seeds before cooking them. Put the seeds in a skillet over medium heat and toss, just until the seeds become fragrant.

Now you have a multitude of options for preparing your quinoa. Whether you like it hot or cold, you can put it into a salad or in a soup. You can also form your cooked quinoa into patties with a variety of ingredients. Go ahead and add cooked quinoa to your favorite pancake or muffin recipe for a brand-new take on healthy eating.

No matter if you are looking for a gluten free alternative to grains, or you are a food lover who is just looking for something new to experiment with, or you want to give your nutrition a real boost, give quinoa a try. With all the possibilities, you could easily create a quinoa creation for every day of the year!

Next:
The Three Varieties – Gold, Red, and Black
For Health And Weight Loss
Going Gluten Free
Five Classic Meal Ideas To Create
The Guide To Creating Hot And Cold Meals
Take A Nutritional Leap With Favorite Comfort Foods
Surprisingly Creative Ideas
Goes Great With Middle Eastern Cuisine
Making Desserts With Quinoa