Quinoa is a very nutritious food that looks like a grain but is actually a type of seed. Once difficult to obtain, quinoa is available at virtually any grocery store. It is very quick to cook and is available in a variety of different colors, including black. All the colors of quinoa are equally nutritious.
Facts
Quinoa is an edible seed that is treated and prepared much like a grain. It has gained popularity in the United States in recent years due to its nutritional profile. The crop originated from the region of the Andes mountains in South America, which is where most of the world's quinoa continues to be grown. Archaeological evidence shows that people have cultivated quinoa for thousands of years as a food source, according to a report from the University of Chicago.
Nutrition
The nutritional value of quinoa has boosted its popularity in modern times. Quinoa is a complete protein source, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize from other sources. In addition, it is high in dietary fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Quinoa has significant nutritional advantages over most other plant foods, according to the "Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture."
Differences in Types
Quinoa seeds are available in a variety of different colors, from white to brown to red to black. Cooked quinoa has a light texture and a slightly nutty flavor that lends itself well to many dishes. There does not seem to be a significant difference in nutritional content among the different-colored cultivars of quinoa, although some claim that the darker colors have a more pronounced taste. Black quinoa tends to hold its shape better than the lighter colors when cooked and works better in salad when the texture is preserved.
Preparation
Quinoa seeds have a waxy coating containing a compound called saponin, which tastes very bitter if not removed. You should rinse quinoa in several changes of water to remove this substance, although commercially available quinoa is often prewashed for convenience. You prepare quinoa much like rice by simmering it in water for 10 to 15 minutes. You can eat quinoa alone, with vegetables or as a very nutritious alternative to rice as a side dish.
Member Comments