Quinoa – Mother of All Grains – Gold of the Incas
Quinoa originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru before they were colonized and became nation-states, where it was successfully domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago for human consumption. Quinoa was revered by the Inca as their Mother Grain until the Spanish practically wiped out cultivation. It continued flourishing in remote locations - quinoa does extremely well in difficult ecological conditions like high altitude, thin air, hot sun, radiation, drought and poor soil. Most quinoa varieties grow best at 10,000 feet or above.
Quinoa is a member of the goosefoot family so while it is used like a cereal grain, it is not classified as one. After harvest, the grains need to be processed to remove the coating containing the bitter-tasting saponins. When buying quinoa, check the box to see if it says pre-rinsed or you will you have to rinse before cooking.
Quinoa grains are in general cooked the same way as rice and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Substitute quinoa for rice, pasta, millet and couscous. It has a fabulous texture with a slight pop and a mild nutty flavor. Add to salads, soups – really your imagination is the limit for quinoa.
See the post by the Healthy Goddess – How to Cook Perfect Quinoa
Quinoa leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth, but the commercial availability of quinoa greens is limited.
Health benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa grains contain essential amino acids like lysine and good quantities of calcium, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, iron, B vitamins and vitamin E.
Quinoa has the highest protein of any grain (16%) and is a complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. It has an essential amino acid profile to milk or an egg.
Quinoa contains a high percentage of the amino acid lysine which is essential for tissue growth and repair
Quinoa is a good source or Magnesium which contributes to relaxing blood vessels which makes for a healthy cardiovascular system and may assist those who sufferf rom migraines.
Eating a serving of whole grains, such as quinoa, at least 6 times each week is an especially good idea for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Quinoa is higher in unsaturated fats and lower in carbohydrates than most grains.
Quinoa is an antioxidant – from Whole Foods: “Quinoa is a very good source of manganese, a mineral that serve as a cofactor for the superoxide dismutase enzyme. Superoxide dismutase is an antioxidant that helps to protect the mitochondria from oxidative damage created during energy production as well as guard other cells, such as red blood cells, from injury caused by free radicals. ”
Quinoa is a warming chi and yang tonic that supports the kidney and heart functions.
In Ayurveda – Quinoa decreases kapha.
Recipes from the Quinoa Goddess
Quinoa is eaten daily in the Healthy Goddess Kitchen and the Healthy Goddess is responsible for spreading the power of Quinoa and creating The Hungry Goddess’ addiction to Quinoa.
We happily channel the Quinoa Goddess, Mother of All Grains who sends inspiration for delicious combinations to keep our bodies powerful and healthy!
Thanks for posting. I have a bag of unrinsed Quinoa bought at Whole Foods that I’ve been somewhat reluctant to try, with all the talk of rinsing. You have given me courage to try it!
Hi Andrea! YAY!!!!!!!!!!! The Quinoa Goddess is dancing! The easiest and most economical bag we have found is at costco – make sure you like it first and then you are off. No rinsing needed. As well, Walmart carries a brand that does not require the rinsing. PLEASE let me know how it turns out!!
YEP!! Costco has the cheapest Quinoa product. We got a 4lb ‘Organic Quinoa’ bag for $7.99 at Costco. It says ‘Organic’. In comparison, Whole Foods charges $4.39 for just 1lb of Quinoa. Even rice is not this cheap… Costco FTW!
Ravi – you got it and as you know, our philosophy is EAT MORE QUINOA!
Just want you to be aware that the first world obsession with quinoa has caused prices in Peru where quinoa originates to sky rocket and that the poor people who used to survive off of quinoa can no longer afford it and are starving off.
Hi Janice – thank you so much for your comment. Hopefully, the highlight of Quinoa by the UN as the International Year of Quinoa will shed some light and bring solutions so that the people of Bolivia and Peru can enjoy their crops for food and money!
Very good writing. Interesting and accurate.
Thank you, Doris! We appreciate the visit!