Organic Quinoa, White

General Information

Botanical Name: Chenopodium quinoa

Certified organic

Origin: Bolivia / Peru

Production

Whole seed, saponins removed

Quinoa is often referred to as a “pseudocereal” (just like buckwheat, amaranth, and chia) because it is technically not a grain but a seed, yet similar to true cereals when it comes to flavor, cooking, and nutritional profile. First domesticated and highly cherished as the “mother of all grains” by ancient civilizations in the Peruvian Andes, quinoa is still wildly popular and cultivated throughout the world as an important source of nutrition.

Botanically, it is related to beets, chard, and spinach, and thus the leaves of the quinoa plant are edible as well. The grain comes in a range of colors (white, yellow, orange, red, black) and has a natural coating of bitter-tasting saponins, making them unpalatable for birds (a beneficial effect during cultivation) as well as humans. All  quinoa sold commercially has usually been washed and mechanically processed to remove this coating.

Interestingly, in South America, the removed saponins are used as detergent for washing clothes and as antiseptic to promote healing of skin injuries.

Qualities

Quinoa is an important source of high-quality gluten-free vegetable protein and unlike most grains, it is a “complete” protein, containing all of the essential amino acids you must get through your diet. It is a particularly good source of lysine, which contributes to immune system health, muscle repair, and may even reduce anxiety. In addition, quinoa is a valuable source of heart-healthy fatty acids, rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants offering powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, Vitamins B and E, as well as minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and zinc. Its high content of both soluble and insoluble fiber may aid in keeping blood sugar levels balanced and lowering cholesterol levels. Try cooked quinoa in salads, soups or stews, mixed with herbs and vegetables, as a breakfast porridge with fruit, in baked goods to add moisture, or as a healthy side dish. For the optimal nutritional boost, soak quinoa overnight, rinse well, and enjoy as a raw cereal or keep sprouting to further activate the seed enzymes and try juiced into smoothies.