An introduction to the superfood Quinoa

Quinoa is not a new fad but has been around for over 3000 years. Recently countries outside South America have also started selling quinoa to an ever growing market. It seems to be widely available over the counter in most food shops now. If not you can always buy it online.

 

What is quinoa?

 

To find quinoa you will need to go to the grain section of the shop or catalogue. It comes from the same plant family as spinach and you can eat the leaves in the same way. The leaves can be cooke or eaten raw. You cannot buy these quinoa leaves in the shops as it doesn't keep well. The seed version however is increasing in production and is recognised by nutritionists as one of the most beneficial foods in terms of mineral and vitamin content.

 

What is Quinoa Like?

 

The seeds are similar to dry rice only about a third of the size. There are different varieties but the most common one is the creamy white type. Red and black quinoa is much rarer. You can buy it in small packs and it is usually ready to cook. You can replace any favourite rice dish you have with quinoa very easily. You will find that it adds its own character to any recipe you use it with.

 

How do you cook Quinoa?

 

The most basic method of cooking quinoa is to boil it in water and simmer for 10 -12 minutes. The proportions for cooking are 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water. All the water will be absorbed by the Quinoa. Sometimes the slightly bitter saponin coating has not been removed. If you find this is the case you must pre-rinse it before you go and cook it. Nearly all the quinoa you cn buy now has been rinsed before packing but its better to be sure.

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You can replace your favourite rice dishes with the finished quinoa. There is no almost no limit to what you can do with it. You will find that it blends well with most foods as it absorbs the flavour of the accompanying ingredients.

 

When the quinoa is cooked you get a little “tail” that is the germ of the seed. It has a crunchy feel to the mouth. Some people describe this as being nutty. I’m not sure I agree but quinoa does taste good.

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You can microwave quinoa and put it in casseroles as a thickening agent. As well as the seed version there is also quinoa flour and quinoa flakes. You cannot use exactly in the same way as normal flour but it is useful in the kitchen.

 

What is special about Quinoa?

 

There are a number of things that make quinoa special. Being Gluten free you can include it into almost any special diet and it will not cause any health complications. Vegans and vegetarians eat it to give them the amino acids that quinoa contains. Because it realeases the carbs slowly over time it is know to benefit a number of food related health problems.