Quinoa

Species of plant cultivated for its edible seeds

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a flowering plant in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). It is grown as a crop primarily for its edible seeds, which are rich in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and dietary minerals in amounts greater than in many grains. Quinoa is not a cereal, but rather a pseudocereal, as it is not a member of the true grass family.

History

Quinoa was first domesticated by the Andean civilizations around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. It was a staple food of the Inca Empire, who referred to it as "the mother of all grains." The Spanish colonists scorned quinoa as "food for Indians" and suppressed its cultivation, but it has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent decades due to its nutritional value.

Botanical Description

Chenopodium quinoa -red faro- - Museum specimen

Quinoa is an annual plant that grows to about 1–2 meters (3.3–6.6 ft) in height. It has broad, generally powdery, hairy, lobed leaves, usually arranged alternately. The flowers are small and clustered in panicles. The seeds are about 2 mm in diameter and can be white, red, or black.

Cultivation

Quinoa is grown from seed. It is a hardy plant that can withstand frost and drought, making it suitable for cultivation in a variety of climates. It is typically grown in the Andes region of South America, but its cultivation has spread to over 70 countries, including the United States, Canada, Italy, and India.

Nutritional Value

Quinoa grains

Quinoa is highly nutritious, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, vitamin B, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and various beneficial antioxidants.

Uses

Quinoa seeds are cooked similarly to rice and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be ground into flour, used in soups, porridge, and salads, or made into pasta. Quinoa flakes and quinoa puffs are also popular breakfast foods.

Quinoa cornflakes

Varieties

There are several varieties of quinoa, including white, red, and black quinoa. Each variety has a slightly different taste and texture, with red and black quinoa being more crunchy and having a stronger flavor compared to the milder white quinoa.

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Red quinoa

Related Pages

• Amaranth
• Pseudocereal
• Inca Empire
• Andean civilizations