The Quinoa Top 10

Why do we make so much fuss about Quinoa?

Quinoa is classified as a whole grain in the culinary world, but it’s actually a seed from a flowering plant that traditionally grows in Peru and Bolivia. We love it for many reasons, but here are the top 10:

 

1. It’s a complete protein. Most grains have a few amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Quinoa is unique because it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. So, it has the same nine amino acids found in meat or chicken, but it’s a vegan, plant-based source. Sweet! 

 

2. It’s gluten-free. This is an important consideration for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, who cannot tolerate gluten (a protein found in some grains). 

 

3. It’s non-GMO. There’s no need to genetically modify it, because it’s pretty perfect already. When it grows, quinoa is naturally coated in a bitter plant substance called saponin which keeps pests away thereby eliminating the need for harmful pesticides! Not to worry - all the saponin has been rinsed from our quinoa.

 

4. It’s high in fibre. A cup of cooked quinoa has 5.5 grams of fibre, and contains both insoluble (which helps keep you regular) and soluble (which helps lower cholesterol levels) fibre. 

 

5. It has serious roots. Ancient grain? Oh yeah. Quinoa has been cultivated for about 4000 years. It was considered a sacred crop by the Incas, who called it the "Mother of All Grains", and has been enjoyed as a healthy staple for millennia.  

 

6. It’s nutrient-rich: Quinoa is a source of many vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and a host of B vitamins including folate.

 

7. It contains beneficial antioxidants: Quinoa contains quercetin and kaempferol, two antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects. 

 

8. It has a low glycemic index: That means it won’t cause a huge spike in your blood sugar levels, because it’s not a refined carb like sugar. Instead, it’s got a nice balance of carbs and protein, and enough fibre to keep blood sugar stable. 

 

9. It pops like popcorn: Quinoa puffs are the best snack! We add puffed quinoa to Kinwa bars, and sometimes pop up a batch of puffed quinoa for a great movie-watching snack at home. Try it out! 

 

10. It tastes great: Slightly nutty and mild, quinoa is a blank canvas that can be used in so many exciting ways. Like, hmmm, adding quinoa flakes, puffs and germ to Kinwa bars!