Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) is the edible seed from the quinoa plant, a plant related to spinach and chard. Although technically a seed, it is generally classified as a grain since its appearance is similar to the grains we are familiar with.
What is so special about quinoa?
Quinoa is a superfood that offers a wide range of benefits to our health. Some of the benefits of eating quinoa are:
- High Nutritional Value – Quinoa is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it one of the most nutritious foods on the planet.
- Complete Protein – it contains all 9 essential amino acids, including lysine, a protein typically only found in animal products. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians/vegans.
- High in Calcium & Manganese – it helps to reduce fatigue levels, bone loss, menstrual flow, and speed up the recovery of bone fractures.
- Gluten-Free – Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and does not grow near wheat crops, so it’s an excellent choice for those who are gluten intolerant.
- Easy to Digest – Most people find quinoa easy to digest, making it an excellent choice for those with digestive issues.
- Quick Cooking – cooks within 15 minutes. The seeds turn translucent, and a small white thread perimeter (germ) emerges when fully cooked. It has a light, fluffy texture when cooked.
- Light Weight – the seed is tiny & lightweight, making it the perfect staple for backpacking.
- Versatile – Quinoa can be used in a variety of ways, from incorporating it in dishes as you would rice or noodles with various spices and vegetables, adding it to soups, eating it as a breakfast porridge, or as a side dish or dessert. Add the crisps/flakes to salad and smoothies.
- Mild Flavor – boosts the nutritional content of almost any dish while giving it a mildly nutty flavor.
Do I need to rinse my quinoa?
When the quinoa seed grows, it protects itself from insects and wildlife by coating itself with a bitter substance called saponin. Most of the Quinoa sold in North America has been pre-rinsed to remove this substance. Therefore, rinsing is not necessary.
Backpacking with Quinoa
Many backpackers want to eat quinoa on the trail but choose not to because it takes upwards of 15 minutes to cook thoroughly. Outdoor Herbivore’s Instant Organic Quinoa has been rinsed, cooked, and dehydrated to provide you with the fastest-cooking quinoa on the market! Add the desired amount of quinoa to boiling water and reconstitute for 10 minutes. Because quinoa has a mild taste, it should be seasoned to improve the flavor.
Quinoa seeds may be sprouted in water for as little as 4 hours to boost its nutritional value and speed up cooking time. Sprouting or germinating seeds activates the natural enzymes present in the seed and multiples vitamin content.
If you want ready-to-eat quinoa to use in cold-soak trail salads or cold breakfast cereals, we recommend using puffed/crisped quinoa.
One thought on “What is so great about Quinoa?”
Quinoa is a superfood. It is a complete protein source and a healthy alternative to wheat. It is recommended by several nutritionists, especially as a vegetarian protein source.