What is Quinoa?
Nutrition information for Quinoa including its health benefits, calories, and protein.
The Mother Grain
Pronounced KEEN-wah, this nutritious whole grain is grown in the
Andes of South America and has been a staple of the Inca Indians and their descendants for centuries.
Its name means "Mother Grain" though it is actually a seed, it belongs to the group called "ancient grains" that includes
Amaranth,
Spelt,
Kamut,
Barley,
Buckwheat, and
Millet.
Nutrition Information
Like other ancient grains, it is extremely nutritious. Its protein,
though less than some whole grains, is 90% digestible, meaning its protein quality is as good or better than that found in milk.
In fact, it contains every essential amino-acid.
For complete calorie and nutrition information, click here.
As if this healthy, whole food didn't have enough going for it, it is also incredibly easy to grow. It has a natural ability to fend off
pests and yield large nutritious crops from poor soil. Many people believe this whole grain food will be the key to
feeding the large populations in our future.
Taste It has a light, smokey, nutty flavor that many people find pleasing, which has helped it to gain recent popularity in North America.
Shelf-Life It should be eaten within 3 - 6 months of purchase, but if refrigerated and
stored properly, it can last as long as a year.
Cooking Quinoa Everything about how to cook, make, and use this healthy whole grain....
Where to Buy Find out where to buy this nutritious grain locally and online...
History
This whole grain has been an important crop for the people of South America for 6,000 years. It was revered by the Inca civilization.
The Incas had such reverence for this crop that the Emperor would sow the first seeds of the season using golden implements. They also
used it in their religious ceremonies. However, Spanish colonists disapproved of these rituals and in an effort to stop them,
forbade anyone from growing it. For many years it was grown in secret in the remote mountains of Peru until its glorious past was forgotten.
It was considered "Indian food" for hundreds of years until recently when it started to make a comeback. With its easy cultivation and
highly nutritious crop, it has gotten the attention of organic farmers and health conscious consumers. It is now a popular item in health
food stores.
