Buy Quinoa

Today more and more people are looking to buy quinoa as a healthy alternative to rice and other starches commonly found in today’s kitchens.

A mild, earthy alternative to rice or couscous, Quinoa (pronounced KEEN WAH) grain has a light, fluffy texture when properly prepared.  As it has become popular for its nutritional value (Quinoa is very high in protein and fiber), more and more people are now trying to buy quinoa and find recipes and tips on how to prepare it.

While most boxed quinoa has been pre-rinsed, most grains will require the removal of the saponins by soaking in water for a few hours – then changing the water and resoaking. Removal of the saponin helps with digestion; the soapy and slightly bitter coating acts as a laxative and as a natural protectant against wildlife.  The oxalic acid in the saponins have been known to cause numbness in the lips and gums when not thoroughly washed.

One common cooking method involves treating quinoa much like you would treat rice, bringing two cups of water to a boil with one cup of grain, then covering and cooking on low heat for 14–18 minutes or until the germ and the seed separate. The cooked germ looks similar to a small curl and will have a slight hardiness. Of course, a rice cooker can also be used to prepare quinoa, just as you would cook white rice.

The Incan Indians called the Mother of all Grains, and it was a staple in their culture.  Today, vegetables and seasonings can also be added to Quinoa to make a wide range of dishes. Just as you would with rice, chicken, beef or vegetable stock can be used during cooking to add flavor.

Quinoa can serve as a high-protein breakfast food mixed with honey, almonds, or berries; it is also sold as a dry product, much like corn flakes. Quinoa flour can be used in wheat-based and gluten-free baking.

Quinoa may be germinated in its raw form to boost its nutritional value. Germination activates its natural enzymes and multiplies its vitamin content. In fact, quinoa has a notably short germination period: Only 2–4 hours resting in a glass of clean water is enough to make it sprout and release gases, as opposed to, e.g., 12 hours overnight with wheat. This process, besides its nutritional enhancements, softens the grains, making them suitable to be added to salads and other cold foods.

You can buy quinoa at your local whole foods store or online from many specialty retailers.  Take a look around our site for more information and recipes.

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