What is Quinoa?
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is the seed of the flowering Chenopodium quinoa plant and it was first grown in the Andes about 7,000 years ago. Botanically speaking, it’s not a grain. However, it’s often called a grain because it’s similar in nutrients and eaten the same way as cereal grains.
What does it taste like?
Quinoa has a mild and slightly nutty flavour. It is commonly used in place of a grain such as rice or couscous and pretty much cooks just the same. Because of the mild taste, you can flavour it both sweet and savoury, making it perfect for any meal.
Benefits?
Apart from it having been cultivated and consumed for 7,000 years, there are indeed benefits. With quinoa being an insoluble fiber, it helps increase the feeling of a satisfied stomach, keeping you fuller for longer and aiding in weight loss. It increases metabolism and reduces food cravings as it is rich in dietary fiber, protein, B Vitamins and dietary minerals, in greater amounts than many other grains.
