Trendy Tuesday: Quinoa

If you pay attention to the health community, you’ve probably noticed that brown rice is out, and quinoa is in. So, what’s with all the buzz around this supposed “superfood?” Is quinoa a trend that *you* should be following?

what is quinoa?

Although it is most commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard.

Cooked quinoa seeds are fluffy and creamy, yet slightly crunchy. They have a delicate, somewhat nutty flavor. While the most popular type of quinoa is a transparent yellow color, other varieties feature colors such as orange, pink, red, purple or black.

health benefits:

Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. This makes quinoa a good choice for vegetarians and vegans who are concerned about getting adequate protein intake.

Quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, this “grain” may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis. (source)

Quinoa is also naturally gluten free, which makes it a great grain option for those with celiac disease or gluten free diets.

nutritional stats.

Per 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa:

how to prepare quinoa.

Before cooking quinoa, it’s a good idea to thoroughly wash the seeds to remove any remaining saponin residue (a coating that could be mildly toxic and taste bitter). To do this, place quinoa in a fine-meshed strainer and run cold water over it, while gently rubbing the seeds together with your hands.

Quinoa cooks similarly as rice – combine one part quinoa to two parts liquid in a saucepan (use chicken or vegetable stock for added flavor). Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer and cover. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. When the quinoa is cooked it will look soft and translucent. If you desire the quinoa to have a nuttier flavor, you can dry roast it before cooking; to dry roast, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat and stir constantly for five minutes.

where to find quinoa.

Quinoa can be found at most natural health food stores, including Trader Joe’s and Whole  Foods. As it becomes more popular, though, you may start finding it in your local grocery store as well.

quinoa recipes.

• Mediterranean Shrimp & Quinoa

• Southwest Style Quinoa

• Caitlin’s Toasted Quinoa
• Kath’s Greens + Beans Quinoa
• Ashley’s Fuit + Nut Quinoa Salad
• Ashley’s Bean + Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
• Angela’s 2-minute Pumpkin Quinoa

why I love quinoa.

In additional to its health benefits, quinoa is incredibly tasty and versatile. It’s nutty flavor is unlike any other grain, and you can add pretty much anything to it that you’d like – making an either sweet or savory dish.

I love that you can add pretty much any mix-ins – vegetables, cheese, beans, meat, nuts – and make a delicious and healthy meal out of it. I find that quinoa is also more filling than most other grains.

• What say you? Have you tried quinoa? Do you like it?
• What’s your favorite way to eat quinoa?