Quinoa - (Keen- O- Wa)
The super grain! Full of what our bodies need and void of what we don't.
Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it a complete protein source.[14] It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is being considered a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration human occupied spaceflights.[14]"
- quoted from Wikipedia
seed before cooking
after cooking
Quinoa has a soft, slightly crunchy almost nutty taste. It makes a very healthy and yummy oatmeal, can be used in baking, in place of rice or pasta for a side dish, with sauces, in cold salads, ...
Here is a yummy looking recipe:
Martha Stewart's Quinoa Spinach Bake
I am going to try it tonight and probably put in in a regular roatation!!
There is a Saskatchewan company who produces Quinoa,
along with other organic grains, flakes and pastas.
the prices are really good...
They have tonnes of quinoa recipes!!
The quinoa plant, is in the goosfoot family with things like spinach, beets and tumbleweeds.
The only downfall of quinoa, is that it can be kind of pricey.
So, in my seed ordering escapades, I ran into some local quinoa seed!
I am so very pumped to try it. I guess the plant grows from 3'-8' (feet) tall.
Grows easily, and then there's some work to do involving the harvest.
But I am willing to try er out!!
Here is someone's story on their quinoa growing journey
And, THIS is the catalogue where I found quinoa seed!
for the website and online catalogue:
Jim Ternier and Family have an excellent Heirloom seed company near Humbolt, Saskatchewan.
Their prices and variety are good. Lots of grains, like quinoa AND chia!!
(another plant I am going to try out this summer!)
Along with tonnes of heirloom veggies, grasses and flowers.
Also, cover crops for green manure.
(yet another experiment for this fall...)
They are a conscious and hard working family dedicated to the preservation of old heirloom varieties and seed variety in general.
check em out!
Jim,
By Richard Widdifield
