Quinoa: The Nutrient Rich Grain

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posted by Annie B. Bond Jul 10, 1999 4:28 am

filed under: Food & Recipes, Basics, Natural Pantry, Side Dishes

6 comments

Excerpted from Feeding the Whole Family, by Cynthia Lair.

Pronounced keen-wah, this grain comes from the Andes Mountains in South America where it was once a staple food for the Incas.

Quinoa has a delicious light, nutty flavor. When it cooks, the grain opens up to make tiny spirals. Quinoa contains all eight amino acids and therefore has better protein value than most grains. A nutrient-dense grain; perfect for those who have elevated needs, such as pregnant or nursing mothers.
Link here for tips and tricks on how to cook this nutritious grain:

1 cup quinoa
Pinch of sea salt
1 3/4 cups water

Rinse quinoa well with warm water and drain. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that repels insects and birds and can create a bitter taste. Rinsing with warm water removes the saponin. Place rinsed quinoa, salt, and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer 15-20 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
Makes 2 1/2-3 cups

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Jacqueline Patino says
Aug 15, 2009 6:54 AM

Hello everybody,

I am Jacqueline and I write from Bolivia.
This beautiful country, located in the heart of South America is the proud birthplace of quinoa. Although some scientists do not like to say the exact procedence of this grain, it is very nice and well educated to highlight where it really comes from, don't you think?

People in Bolivia, indigenous or not, all love quinoa and serve it in everyday food. So, I am willing to pass on some grandma recipes to you. Let me know if you are interested. Choose between a main dish, a soup, a dessert or breakfast.

Enjoy the goodies of this wonderful Bolivian grain.

Also, thanks to the writer for sharing this wonderful recipe with us.

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Kim s. says
Mar 22, 2008 5:45 AM

hmm... thanx for the info about the need to wash the quinoa; although the product I have states to wash it thoroughly, there is no mention why. I assumed it was like many forms of rice, to remove the starches.

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Annie Bond says
Feb 14, 2008 2:49 PM

Yes, quinoa is a 53 for 100g, according to the tool on glycemicindex.com

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carole n. says
Feb 14, 2008 2:14 PM

could anyone tell me the GI rating of Quinoa please

Cheers Carole

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carole n. says
Feb 14, 2008 2:14 PM

could someone tell me the GI of this grain please. I have type 2 diabetes

cheers
Carole

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Eiltho Thorsteinsson says
Feb 14, 2008 1:31 PM

thank you

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