Quinoa (pronounced keen wah) is high on the list of foods to enjoy when adding whole grains to our diets. Technically, however, quinoa is not a grain. It is a dried fruit from the Chenopodium herb family. There are three main varieties of quinoa and the texture, color and flavor differ dramatically. Look for very light and tiny seeds for a more delicate flavor. The bigger, darker seeds have a bittersweet taste. Quinoa contains about 159 calories per cup
Quinoa is high in protein and calcium and has a sweet and nutty flavor. Quinoa on its own makes a great side dish or can be turned into a pilaf. It's also wonderful in salads or as breakfast cereal. It cooks much more quickly than other whole grains and will be ready to eat in around fifteen to twenty minutes.
Quinoa comes with a coating that can taste quite bitter so you should rinse it very well in a strainer or at least so three times in a bowl. Because of its high fat content, you might want to store quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge, but it will also last in a cool, dark place in an airtight container for several months.
Quinoa can be found in your grocery store either by the rice or in the health food section. Recently we have found quinoa in Gilbert, AZ's Sam's Club and Mesa, AZ's Costco, so it is definitely becoming more mainstream.
Try our quinoa stuff pepper recipe.
Do you use quinoa? Leave a comment to let us know how you use this wonderful product.
For other articles, see Mesa Food Examiner.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE ARTICLES AND RECIPES
BY THIS EXAMINER, CLICK ON "SUBSCRIBE" AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE.
Copyright Simply Impressive Cooking School
Comments