Happy Gluten Free Friday!!!
Today we’re talkin’ all about the mysterious grain, Quinoa…
And how on planet earth do you say it?
At first, I relied on my phonetically wired brain and, after several years of pronouncing it [Kwin-O-ah], I was schooled in the pronunciation of it by my Heath Food Store Guru…
It’s pronounced [KEEN-Wah].
And it is…
an ancient, protein and vitamin rich staple food.
While strictly speaking it is a seed, quinoa is eaten as a grain. It has an exceptional amino acid profile and the highest protein content of all grains, along with amaranth. ~About.com
Where is it grown?
Cultivated thousands of years ago, Quinoa is mainly grown today in the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia.
What is is like?
Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that is high in protein and dietary fiber.
Packed with protein, quinoa contains every amino acid, and is particularly rich in lysine, which promotes healthy tissue growth throughout the body. Quinoa is also a good source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, and fiber. ~About.com
If cooked as a grain, it is similar to rice or couscous, and it’s DELICIOUS when tossed with a bit of olive oil, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes!
You can purchase Quinoa in two varieties… Red and White.
How else can I use it?
Quinoa is available in different forms… you don’t have to eat it just as a seed…
My favorite recipe is Quiona with Kalamata Olives, Sundried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese. It’s divine!
Have you tried Quinoa? Do you like it?