What is Quinoa?

What is it?

Quinoa, pronounced as KEEN-WAH, is actually a seed, not a grain - a common misconception. However, it is prepared and used in the same manner as rice or couscous.  It is gluten-free for those of you with touchy inner workings, making it easy to digest.  It has the texture and look (size) of Couscous, but tends to be a little crunchier, brown in color and has a slight nutty flavor.

Quinoa has been around a little while - since 3,000 B.C.  The Incas once revered this sacred staple as the "mother grain." - as it was so substantial as to fuel its mighty armies.


Is it healthy?

Yes - it's very nutrient rich!  Quinoa is high in fiber, high in protein, a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron, vitamins, minerals, and is considered to be alkaline.  It's high in calcium and iron and a good source of E & B vitamins.  Since Quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids, it is considered a complete protein source.


What to do with it:

Quinoa can be easily substituted in place of Rice, Couscous, Millet or Pasta in just about any meal.  Use it as a side dish, in casseroles, in cold salads, soups or stews.  Add nuts and fruits to cooked Quinoa and serve as breakfast porridge.

The Quinoa seeds can also be sprouted for a super raw nutritional snack!  Sprouted Quinoa can be used in salads and sandwiches just like alfalfa sprouts.


How to cook it:
 
Quinoa cooks up simply and fast.  For every 1 cup of Quinoa, use 1 1/2 cups of Water or Veggie Broth.  Bring Quinoa & liquid to a boil together, reduce to a simmer, cover & cook for 15 minutes.  Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes, fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Adding Salt to the cooking water will increase the cooking time by 1 - 2 minutes and yield a firmer texture.  Leave it out and you get a fluffier end result.

Want a nuttier flavor?  Dry roast the Quinoa before cooking; to dry roast, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat and stir constantly for five minutes. 

It is important to rinse Quinoa using a fine wire mesh to remove the bitter outer layer (saponin), prior to cooking.  With this in mind, the Quinoa can be soaked up to 5 minutes to help with this process.


Storage:

Store quinoa in an airtight container. It will keep for a longer period of time, approximately three to six months, if stored in the refrigerator. 


Keep it Healthy!

Sources:
http://chetday.com/quinoa.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=142&tname=foodspice